In a recent episode of Palace Confidential, Rebecca English, the Royal Editor for the Daily Mail, offered an insider’s perspective on how Camilla, the Queen Consort, has been profoundly affected by Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
She described Camilla as “broken” and deeply “grief-stricken.”
The show’s panel of royal experts examined the dynamics between King Charles III and Camilla during this time of mourning.
Andrew Pierce, the Daily Mail’s consultant editor, praised the new royal team, remarking that they seemed like “a good team” in the wake of recent royal portraits that have sparked discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.
During her report, Rebecca recalled her first encounter with the King and Queen Consort after their return to Buckingham Palace from Edinburgh.
She noted the palpable emotions as Camilla appeared uncertain about how the public would react to her presence.
Interestingly, Pierce reflected on how Camilla’s public image has evolved over the years.
Once dubbed the “wicked witch” following the tumultuous breakup of Charles and Princess Diana‘s marriage, she has shown resilience despite the years of scrutiny.
It’s clear that the relationship between Charles and Camilla is built on a solid foundation of love and loyalty.
As Pierce stated, “Camilla knew she had that reputation, but she persevered because her feelings for him are genuine.”
This sentiment underscores the couple’s ability to withstand public adversities.
Rebecca voiced her observations about King Charles, noting that he’s “a very different person” without Camilla by his side.
Their long-standing marriage, spanning 17 years, appears to have instilled a balance in their lives.
She emphasized their compatibility and teamwork, suggesting they complement one another remarkably well.
The conversation later shifted to the recent release of royal portraits, which included a striking image of King Charles alongside Camilla and their son, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
This royal portrait, taken in front of the exquisite backdrop of Buckingham Palace, became a focal point for royal watchers.
However, this unveiling coincided with an image shared by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from an earlier event, prompting a dialogue about timing and intention.
The panel found the Sussexes’ timing somewhat debatable, with Rebecca describing it as “puzzling” and questioning the motive behind the sudden release.
Andrew expressed his disdain for the Sussexes’ apparent need for attention, quipping that it seemed like a case of “me, me, me!” at a delicate moment for the royal family.
He further criticized the timing of their portrait as lacking in sensitivity.
The discussion then veered towards other royal families in Europe, particularly the Queen of Denmark’s recent decision to strip titles from four of her grandchildren.
Richard Eden from the Daily Mail suggested that this might set a precedent for King Charles to consider, particularly in regard to his own family dynamics.
Alongside these topics, they delved into a new book focused on Camilla, authored by Angela Levin.
This book reveals fascinating insights into the Queen Consort’s journey and how she has navigated her public image over the years.
As the dialogue continued, it became apparent that Camilla had worries about public perception following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Sara Parker Bowles, Camilla’s ex-daughter-in-law, shared that the former consort was anxious about being remembered in a negative light once again, reminiscent of her “hate years.”
While Camilla’s previous struggles for acceptance in the public eye have been well documented, her efforts since marrying Charles in 2005 have helped shape a new narrative.
The backlash that once defined her character is gradually dissipating, replaced by a growing appreciation for her role within the royal family.
As Rebecca highlighted, Camilla has transformed from a controversial figure into a more accepted member of the monarchy.
With upcoming portrayals in popular media, such as The Crown, there’s anticipation about how these narratives will be received and how they may affect public sentiment moving forward.
Despite her previous reservations, many now see Camilla as a refreshingly human face within the royal family, reflecting a unique blend of strength and vulnerability as she continues to support her husband and navigate the complexities of royal life.
Read more
