Queen Consort Camilla Pays Tribute To Queen Elizabeth 2 Months After Mother-In-Law's Death

Queen Consort Camilla remembered her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, when she welcomed a group of young writers to Buckingham Palace for a reception Thursday.

During the gathering, Camilla spoke to the winners of the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition and other guests, taking time to pay tribute to her husband King Charles' late mother, who passed away on Sept. 8.

"I cannot begin without paying tribute to my dear mother-in-law, Her late Majesty, who is much in our thoughts today and who is so greatly missed by us all," Camilla said, Us Weekly reported. "Throughout her remarkable reign, its vision to improve the lives and prospects of all Commonwealth citizens remained, as you know, very close to her heart."

She continued, "Over the past few months, my husband and I have drawn immense comfort from the messages of condolence that we have received, and continue to receive, from the four corners of the world. They have reminded us that the written word has a unique ability to connect, heal, reassure and offer hope, even in the midst of grief."

The Queen Consort went on to praise the late monarch for her "enduring love for the Commonwealth," celebrating the over 50 countries that make up "this wonderful, extraordinary, richly diverse association of independent and equal nations, and friends."

After her speech, excerpts from some of the winning pieces were read by Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassadors. including singer and actress Alexandra Burke, actress Ayesha Dharker and former Spice Girl Geri Horner.

Gyles Brandreth, who is a friend of the Queen Consort, welcomed Camilla with a kiss as he introduced her to the winners, People reported.

Camilla's statement came two months after the Queen passed away "peacefully" at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96. Her Majesty was laid to rest in a state funeral in London on Sept. 19.

In February, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession, the late monarch announced her wish for Camilla to be known as queen consort when her son, Charles, takes over the throne.

"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," the Queen said in a public statement at the time.

The announcement was reportedly a "dream come true" for King Charles, who had always wanted his wife to be queen.

"Charles is over the moon that his mother has given her seal of approval," an anonymous source told Us Weekly. "It's a dream come true."

The insider continued, "Camilla had to work twice as hard as any other royal to gain popularity and shed her reputation as the wicked stepmother — the woman who stole Charles from Diana."