Subject: BMS Sympathies to HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – Death of best friend 

The British Monarchists Society sends is deepest condolences to Her Royal Highness, Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall on the announcement of the death of her “dear friend” Mrs. Carolyn “Chubby” Benson. The Duchess of Cornwall had been best friends with the late Carolyn Benson since they were schoolmates and the now closed Ladies’ Academy in Southover Manor, East Sussex. Speaking about her loss, Her Royal Highness stated: ‘Chubby was a life enhancer and dear friend who I, like many others, will miss enormously.’

Mrs. Bensons late husband was Old Etonian racing figure Charles Benson. The pair would host Saturday dinners at their London home, which were described as the greatest sporting ‘salon’ ever assembled. Mrs. Bensons mother, Jean Gerard Leigh, was the woman whose photograph was used to help trick the Germans into falling for one of the greatest deceptions of World War II, Operation Mincemeat, which inspired the classic film, The Man Who Never Was.

The British Monarchists Society stands in support of, and solidarity with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at this very difficult and trying time. We send her our deepest sympathies. A card of sympathy will be posted to Clarence House in the coming days on behalf of the Society, its members, patrons and friends.