Queen Camilla got a cultural fix on Tuesday during a busy day in Bath, exploring the city’s arts and literary scene with curiosity and charm.

At the Holburne Museum, the Queen wandered through the exhibits with evident fascination, taking in each piece as curator Rosemary Harden guided her through the collection. 

Her visit included the Zandra Rhodes: A Life in Print exhibition that brings a selection of screen-printed garments from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Camilla revealed a personal connection, “My sister Annabel Elliot had a wedding dress made by Rhodes,” she shared, nodding to the designer who also famously dressed the late Princess Diana.

The royal then made her way to Bath’s Theatre Royal, meeting staff and volunteers while checking out a new community studio. 

She also unveiled a toy theatre, part of the theatre’s ongoing plans to create an engaging space for local families.

The Queen then rounded off her cultural tour with a stop at @PersephoneBooks, the independent publisher and bookshop founded in 1999, which specialises in reprinting forgotten gems mostly fiction and non-fiction by women writers. 

There, she chatted with Francesca and Nicola Beauman, taking in the literary treasures that make the shop a Bath institution.

Streets are about to turn purple, green, and gold as communities celebrate Mardi Gras.

The celebration dates back centuries, preceding the Christian season of Lent.

Commonly known as “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, representing the start of Lent, 40 days of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.

The tradition linked to European Christians serves as a final opportunity to enjoy rich foods before the more solemn season starts.

Here are some surprising facts about Mardi Gras that you may not know.

It’s a legal holiday in Louisiana

Mardi Gras is officially celebrated across the United States. However, the government of Louisiana declares it an official holiday. Considering how deeply the festival is woven into the state’s culture, the government offices and schools remain closed.

Mardi Gras colors have meaning

The official colors (purple, green, and gold) are not chosen randomly. In 1872, the Krewe of Rex in New Orleans assigned meaning to them. Purple represents justice, green indicates faith while gold is the symbol of power.

Mask wearing is required by law

Legal bodies in New Orleans have mandated float riders to wear masks. The rule dates back to the 19th century and was designed to encourage anonymity and social equality during the festivities.

UNESCO Belgium recognises it formally

The Carnival of Binche in Binche holds so much significance culturally that it was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performers known as Gilles throw oranges into crowds as part of the celebration.

Largest free party in the U.S.

Mardi Gras is also known as the largest free party in the United States, attracting over a million visitors in peak years.

From medieval Europe to modern-day America, the celebration continues to blend faith, culture, and community. Mardi Gras is set to conclude at midnight.