Camilla Parker-Bowles visited Walthamstow’s William Morris Gallery

The Duchess of Cornwall hatched plans to decorate her royal residence with William Morris wallpaper during a museum visit.

Camilla Parker-Bowles dropped into the Forest Road museum to take in the works of the Walthamstow born textile designer and to meet with members of the public.

The Duchess, who has a personal interest in arts and crafts, got stuck in with a group of children who were doing roller painting with their parents.

(Image by Alice Richardson)

(Image by Alice Richardson)

(Image by Alice Richardson)

She also spoke to five-year-old Freddie from Hillyfields Primary Academy who impressed the royal with his mastery of an interactive stained-glass window exhibit.

Camilla enthused about the gallery, calling it a “hidden gem”.

She also said she would redecorate one of her homes with Morris wallpaper, which is world famous for its expertly crafted, intricate floral patterns.

One visitor seemed shocked at the duchess‘s presence, remarking: “Fancy that. What are the chances?”

(Image by Alice Richardson)

(Image by Alice Richardson)

(Image by Alice Richardson)

The visit was kept secret before today and took palace staff two weeks to organise, which one explained was a “particularly fast turn around”.

Before touring the gallery Camilla, who wore a royal blue suit-skirt combination, had visited Barnardo’s charity in Ilford.

The future queen consulate spent around an hour looking at the exhibits.

Waltham Forest Council organised the visit, including reopening the William Morris Gallery in time for the Duchess’ visit.

The authority were putting the finishing touches to the gallery right up until the week before the royal visit.

One council representative said they were “very pleased” with how the day panned out.