The Duchess of Cornwall praised Britain’s “bold and thriving” press as she attended a reception celebrating women working in journalism.

Camilla joked she could hear “pencils sharpening” as she teased a room full of journalists that her speech would include “a royal story you may be unaware of”.

The reception, hosted by organisation Women in Journalism (WIJ), brought together women from across the world of media.

Addressing the event at The Ned hotel in the City of London, the Duchess said: “A bold, thriving press is part of what makes Britain great, but it is vital that in stories from around the world we hear both male and female perspectives.

“Research by your own organisation shows that it is still not easy for women journalists, and in general stories about women are less likely to be told.”

Camilla, who was wearing a dark blue crushed velvet Edina Ronay dress, added: “We need to continue to take courage from great women of the past, but we also need to look to the future.

“I am privileged to meet many amazing women in my travels around the world and I know how important it is that we hear their voices and their experiences.

“Thank you for helping us to make sure we record the great women of today so we can inspire the young women of tomorrow.”

WIJ, a networking, campaigning and social group, grew out of a demand for women to be more effectively represented  at a senior level in newspapers and magazines.

It has since evolved into a forum for women in journalism at all levels.