Queen Camilla and King Charles need no introduction. The infamous affair between her and Charles grabbed way too much attention than it deserved back in the 90s—In fact, in her infamous encounter with BBC broadcaster Martin Bashir. Princess Diana’s interview from 1995 is still one of the hot topics, with people constantly adding new theories to it.
“There were three of us in this marriage,” Diana admitted in the interview at that time, which caused intense scrutiny as more than 23 million people watched it. Eventually, the late Queen Elizabeth had to issue letters advising the royal couple to get a divorce.
As per sources, Diana and Charles parted ways in 1996; the former was left heartbroken and sad. Imagine a 19-year-old who married the love of her life, then became the center of attention due to her husband’s affair, and could not comprehend the waves of emotions that she went through.
What followed was agony and the interference of the paparazzi. Eventually, after Diana’s tragic death in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, Queen Camilla came into the picture.
However, as revealed by royal author Tom Quinn in his new book, Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, Camilla disliked royal formalities and often wished for a life away from the spotlight.
Even before the couple tied the knot in 2005, she would reportedly ask Charles, “Can’t we get away from all this protocol? It’s all bollocks.” Though Charles wasn’t fond of swearing, he would gently respond, “You’re going to do it for me, darling.”
That wasn’t all; the queen would be reportedly insecure about the late Princess Diana‘s esteemed legacy.
View this post on Instagram
Camilla was often seen as the other woman between Charles and Diana. Surprisingly, even after the beloved princess’s death, she was seen as the home wrecker who stepped into the middle of a love triangle. Moreover, during the initial years of her romance with Charles, even his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, were against their father’s affair and then the remarriage after Diana’s demise.
Royal author Tom Quinn revealed that the royal brothers even had nasty nicknames for Camilla, like ‘The Witch of the West, Lady Macbeth, and many more. Quinn claimed that Charles never forgave Prince Harry for thinking of his stepmother as a villain, as he accused her of leaking stories to the press for her benefit.
View this post on Instagram
For years, Camilla preferred to stay behind the scenes, quietly supporting Charles without stepping into the limelight. Early reports suggested she wanted the title Princess Consort rather than Queen Consort.
Still, upon Queen Elizabeth’s request in February 2022, she promised to take the title ‘Queen Consort’ once Charles became King. After Queen Elizabeth’s demise on September 8, 2022, she took the title as she became Queen.
Although Camilla was facing years of backlash, both lovebirds remained committed to each other. Eventually, many Britons acknowledged Camilla’s love and dedication to Charles, and the other family members stood out. Today, she has proved her loyalty to Charles through thick and thin.
View this post on Instagram
Even when Charles was diagnosed with Cancer right before his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, Camilla did her royal appearances on his behalf. She handled the media with utmost grace and dignity.
Today, Camilla wears her crown with pride as she holds the title of Queen. Maybe she never chased the royal life while adapting to it for love, the kind of love where Charles would not let her go.
