Queen Camilla had a slightly awkward exchange with Welsh actor and comedian Ruth Jones during a recent royal visit to South Wales, and the moment was captured on video. The interaction unfolded on November 14 at Merthyr Tydfil’s historic Cyfarthfa Castle, where Queen Camilla and King Charles were meeting guests as part of celebrations tied to the King’s birthday.
Jones, best known to TV audiences for co-creating and starring in the beloved BBC sitcom “Gavin & Stacey,” was among the famous Welsh figures greeting the royal couple. In footage shared by a Daily Mail reporter, Queen Camilla shook Jones’ hand and asked, “Haven’t you lost masses of weight?” Jones laughed and replied, “Yes, I have, thank you! I’ve lost a bit of weight!”
The exchange drew attention partly because Jones’ widely discussed weight loss dates back more than a decade, and because the pair had already met earlier this year. Still, the brief moment remained cordial, with Jones taking the comment in stride.
What Happened At The South Wales Event
The royal visit to Cyfarthfa Castle brought together local leaders and several prominent Welsh talents to mark King Charles’ birthday. As the receiving line moved along, Queen Camilla paused when she reached Jones, a household name in the UK for her role as the brash, quotable Nessa on “Gavin & Stacey.” The Queen appeared to momentarily place Jones before referencing her past physical transformation.
Their encounter gained extra attention because the Queen and Jones had crossed paths not long ago. In March, Queen Camilla hosted a Women of the World reception at Buckingham Palace, where Jones was in attendance. That prior appearance made the weight-related remark feel unexpected to some observers, though the interaction remained friendly.
Jones, who is also known for the Sky comedy-drama “Stella” and her work as a writer and producer, kept the tone light. The video quickly circulated online, with many viewers recognizing the actress instantly and recalling her acclaimed turn in “Gavin & Stacey,” which she created alongside James Corden.
Ruth Jones’ Past Weight-Loss Story, In Her Words
Jones’ weight loss first became a talking point in 2011, when she revealed she had shed nearly 60 pounds. In a 2024 appearance on the “Table Manners” podcast, she revisited the story in detail, crediting a form of aversion therapy guided by renowned hypnotist Paul McKenna as the turning point that helped her give up chocolate.
“It completely worked,” Jones said on the podcast. “I didn’t eat chocolate for five years. I couldn’t stand the smell of it.” She explained that McKenna’s approach involved repeatedly connecting chocolate with a food she disliked, which successfully curbed her cravings. While initially skeptical, she said the method became surprisingly effective and sustainable for a long period.
Over time, Jones reintroduced chocolate in moderation and has maintained a healthy weight for years. In interviews, she has emphasized balance and a practical approach to food, noting that her earlier transformation happened long ago and that she simply found a system that worked for her lifestyle. The actress has largely shifted attention back to her work, where she continues to be celebrated for both her on-screen roles and her creative contributions behind the scenes.
Why The Exchange Stood Out
Given that Jones’ physical transformation is well in the past, the comment understandably surprised some viewers, especially considering the pair’s Buckingham Palace meeting earlier in the year. Nonetheless, the moment was brief and good-natured, with Jones responding warmly and moving along the receiving line.
Jones remains a prominent figure in British television. “Gavin & Stacey,” which became a breakout hit upon its 2007 debut, cemented her status as one of the UK’s most distinctive comedic voices. As Nessa, she delivered a performance that helped the series become a cultural touchstone, later inspiring specials and repeat airings that continue to attract audiences. Beyond acting, Jones’ writing and producing work have kept her firmly in the TV conversation.
For Queen Camilla, the South Wales visit formed part of a busy run of engagements celebrating King Charles’ birthday while spotlighting the region’s cultural heritage. The encounter with Jones added an unexpected pop-culture footnote to the day’s events, reminding viewers how quickly a brief video clip can circulate when it involves a familiar TV face.
Ultimately, the exchange underscores how public figures often navigate moments that blend celebrity recognition with personal topics. Jones’ response was gracious and unfazed, and her previous openness about her health journey provided context for the comment. With both the royal itinerary and Jones’ ongoing screen work forging ahead, the incident is likely to be remembered as a fleeting, if headline-grabbing, beat in a larger day of celebrations.
For fans of “Gavin & Stacey,” the clip is also a reminder of the enduring popularity of Jones’ work and her status as one of Wales’ most recognizable TV talents—an actor-writer whose impact on British comedy remains undeniable.
