The Duchess of Cornwall was joined by health secretary Matt Hancock today to see the work of COVID-sniffing dogs from her charity, Medical Detection Dogs, in action.
The royal, 73, who donned a colourful floral mask during her engagement, wrapped up warm in a royal blue cropped blazer and below-the-knee skirt, and completed her outfit with a pair of black suede boots.
Camilla was at bustling Paddington Station in London to see two labradors trained to pick out positive samples using their remarkable sense of smell being tested in a ‘real life’ environment.
Bob and Basil passed the scientifically-monitored tests – which used five human volunteers, one wearing an item of clothing impregnated with the scent of Covid-19 – with flying colours on six separate occasions, much to the delight of the Duchess and Mr Hancock.
Camilla (pictured), 73, cut a stylish figure as she arrived for a visit to Paddington Station in central London today
The Duchess of Cornwall was joined by health secretary Matt Hancock to see the work of COVID-sniffing dogs from her charity, Medical Detection Dogs, in action (pictured)
The Department of Health has helped to fund the clinical trials, which are being run as a collaboration between the charity and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Durham University. Pictured, Camilla
The Department of Health has helped to fund the clinical trials, which are being run as a collaboration between the charity and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Durham University.
It is hoped that some of the dogs – which have demonstrated they can pick out a positive result within 0.5 seconds from someone who isn’t even showing symptoms of the illness – could be employed in airports, train stations and sporting venues across the country as early as the new year.
Camilla, who has backed the charity’s work since 2014, described the dogs as ‘simply remarkable, so impressive’.
Asked by reporters whether she thought the health minister’s presence indicated the strength of the government’s backing for the project, she made a double ‘thumb’s up’ sign and said: ‘We hope so, finger’s crossed. I think they were impressed. How could they not be?’
During her visit, the royal will be introduced to representatives from British Transport Police and Network Rail who will update The Duchess on their recent work and how their roles have been impacted by the pandemic.
The Duchess of Cornwall, who wore her blonde hair coiffured away from her face, kept her makeup minimal and opted for a fine layering of mascara.
The Duchess of Cornwall (pictured) met and thanked British Transport Police Staff and Network Rail Staff during the engagement
Camilla was at bustling Paddington Station in London to see two labradors trained to pick out positive samples using their remarkable sense of smell being tested in a ‘real life’ environment. Pictured, with Matt Hancock
Bob and Basil passed the scientifically-monitored tests – which used five human volunteers, one wearing an item of clothing impregnated with the scent of Covid-19 – with flying colours on six separate occasions
Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured) during a visit to Paddington railway station in London to watch a demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs
The royal accessorised with a pair of black leather gloves and a coordinating bag, which she held in her right hand
The Duchess of Cornwall wore her hair coiffed back away from her face, and opted for just a small layering of mascara
During her engagement, the royal will meet and thank British Transport Police Staff and Network Rail Staff
The Duchess of Cornwall greeted staff members during a visit to the Central London train station today
Camilla meets railway staff members during a visit to watch a demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs
The Duchess of Cornwall kept a socially safe distance from staff as she thanked them for their hard work amid the pandemic
Camilla, who has backed the charity’s work since 2014, described the dogs as ‘simply remarkable, so impressive’
The Duchess of Cornwall pats a dog during a demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs, which trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease, at Paddington Station in central London
Britain’s Health Secretary Matt Hancock wearing a face mask during a visit with the Duchess of Cornwall
A dog is put through its paces in demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs, which trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease
The Duchess of Cornwall (centre) and Health Secretary Matt Hancock (right) watch a demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs
Camilla added a purple, blue and pink check scarf for the occasion, along with a pair of dangling pearl earrings.
It’s been a busy few weeks for Camilla, who arrived at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, in Gloucestershire, to meet with staff at a community shelter yesterday.
The royal had clearly made her usual effort with her look, arriving at the woodland venue with her hair coiffed to perfection, while sporting fitting brown boots and a green coat.
However, she quickly fell victim to a huge gust of wind and her pristine locks appeared a little ruffled.
Matt Hancock (pictured) during a visit to Paddington railway station in London to watch a demonstration by the charity Medical Detection Dogs
The Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to Paddington railway station in London to meet and thank British Transport Police Staff and Network Rail Staff for their hard work during the pandemic
The Duchess of Cornwall, who donned black leather gloves for the occasion, added a brooch to her coat
The royal wrapped up warm in a royal blue cropped blazer and below-the-knee skirt, and completed her outfit with a pair of black suede boots
Camilla will be introduced to representatives from British Transport Police and Network Rail who will update The Duchess on their recent work and how their roles have been impacted by the pandemic
The Duchess of Cornwall looked typically stylish as she arrived for the engagement in central London today
Camilla added a purple, blue and pink check scarf for the occasion, along with a pair of dangling pearl earrings
During her visit, the Duchess of Cornwall will also watch a demonstration by Medical Detection Dogs