A gradual shift in the dynamics of Buckingham Palace has been unveiled as royal author Tom Bower sheds light on a historic clash between the Queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The Queen, known for her unwavering stance on tradition, reportedly refused to acknowledge Camilla in the late 90s, despite Prince Charles’ desperate plea for acceptance.
As the Queen gracefully steps back from her royal duties due to age, Prince Charles and Princess Anne have taken center stage, leading the way in royal engagements.
Meanwhile, Camilla has been increasingly shouldering responsibilities, representing the royal family at prestigious events such as the COP26 Leaders’ Summit and the latest James Bond film premiere.
According to royal expert Howard Hodgson, the Queen’s sentiments towards Camilla have evolved over time.
Despite initial disapproval, the Queen now holds a deep affection for Camilla, marking a significant shift from the past.
Charles and Camilla’s relationship, which dates back to the early 70s, faced staunch opposition from the royal family, particularly the Queen and her mother.
The turning point in the saga came after Charles’ marriage to Diana ended in a highly publicized divorce.
Despite efforts to rehabilitate their image following Diana’s tragic death in 1997, Charles and Camilla encountered resistance from the royal establishment.
Charles, exasperated by the situation, confronted his mother at Balmoral in 1998, seeking her acceptance of his relationship with Camilla.
In a tense exchange fueled by emotion and martinis, the Queen vehemently expressed her disapproval of Camilla, labeling her as a “wicked woman” and declaring she wanted nothing to do with her.
Charles, taken aback by his mother’s firm stance, was left distraught and sought solace in Camilla’s company.
The Queen’s reservations about Camilla extended beyond moral concerns, as revealed by Mr. Bower.
She harbored doubts about Camilla’s character, exacerbated by the infamous Camillagate tapes that exposed her in a controversial light.
This added another layer of complexity to the strained relationship between the royal family and Camilla.
Following the Balmoral confrontation, Charles strategically changed his approach, gradually integrating Camilla into royal circles.
Despite initial reluctance from the Queen, the tide began to turn after the Queen Mother’s passing, paving the way for Charles and Camilla’s eventual marriage in 2005.
The historic wedding marked a significant milestone in the acceptance of Charles and Camilla’s union by the royal family.
While the Queen refrained from attending the ceremony due to her role as head of the Church of England, she publicly acknowledged Camilla’s presence at the celebration, signaling a shift in her stance.
In recent years, Camilla has endeared herself to the Queen through her advocacy work and public appearances.
Reports suggest that she may soon take on a more prominent role within the royal family, potentially serving as one of the councillors of state in the event of the Queen’s incapacity to fulfill her official duties.
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