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Queen Camilla has long been a divisive figure due to her relationship with then-Prince Charles while he was still married to Princess Diana, which attracted significant media attention.
Queen Camilla was a prime target for tabloids. Prince Harry mentioned this in an interview, stating that, "she was the villain, she was a third person in the marriage, she needed to rehabilitate her image."
In the end, with the help of the royal family, Queen Camilla managed to endure all the abuse, earn her place among the royals, and restore her public image. But at what cost?
It can be said that Lady Di and Camilla were not exactly close friends. Their relationship was rather uncomfortable, to say the least.
The Princess of Wales, in Andrew Morton's 1992 book 'Diana: In Her Own Words,' remembered her initial meeting with Camilla. According to Lady Di, "I met [Camilla] very early on. I was introduced to the circle, but I was a threat. I was a very young girl, but I was a threat,
Camilla also joined Diana and Charles for a lunch outing following their engagement. She intended to congratulate Diana and admire her ring. Lady Di described the encounter as “pretty awkward,” and the conversation as "tricky."
The dynamic between them soured in 1989 at a party, when Princess Diana confronted Camilla regarding her involvement with Charles. Diana and Charles parted ways in 1992.
Prince Harry and his brother were unhappy about their father, Prince Charles, marrying Camilla after the death of their mother. Prince Harry expressed concerns, saying, "We thought that it was going to cause more harm than good."
Although they maintain a polite demeanor, their relationship doesn't extend beyond that. Prince Harry expressed in his 2022 memoir 'Spare' that they interact cordially when they cross paths.
The relationship between Queen Camilla and Prince Harry has been uneasy right from the beginning, and it seems that the tension continues to exist even now. In his book, Harry expressed his perspective, stating, "[I see] someone who married into this institution and has done everything she can to improve her own reputation and her own image for her own sake,"
Camilla's marriage to Charles took place when William and Harry were already adults. As a result, she did not have a maternal role in their lives. According to author Angela Levin in her book ‘Camilla: From Outcast to Queen Consort,’ "She was more of a friendly grown-up they saw occasionally at royal gatherings. She tried to be encouraging rather than influential."
Allegedly, the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales do not address Queen Camilla as "grandmother."
Levin stated that William has clearly expressed that Camilla is his father's wife but not his children's step-grandmother.
We know that Prince William and his stepmother don’t have a warm relationship, but how about the Queen and Princess Catherine? Well, they reportedly tolerate each other.
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen reveals that when they first crossed paths, Camilla held doubts regarding Kate Middleton's suitability to become a member of the royal family.
Queen Camilla has had a complicated relationship with Princess Anne, possibly due to the latter's involvement with Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles.
According to royal biographer Angela Levin, Princess Anne supposedly had reservations about Camilla assuming the role of Queen. Levin clarifies that Camilla initially struggled to deal with Anne's chilly and disconcerting demeanor, much like others unfamiliar with her.
Although they eventually learned to coexist, royal author Penny Junor suggests that Camilla has always been a bit intimidated by Princess Anne. Junor also notes that "Princess Anne is quite a tricky character and she can be quite abrasive,"
Given Fergie's close relationship with Princess Diana, it was anticipated that Camilla and the Duchess of York wouldn't immediately develop a strong friendship.
Rumors emerged about a disagreement between them during a summer retreat at Balmoral in 2018. The reported dispute revolved around Camilla and Charles' relationship during Princess Diana's lifetime.
It seemed that, when the two met, they bonded over their love of wine and yoga. Camilla is said to have supported Markle’s relationship with Prince Harry since the beginning, too.
The story tells that Meghan Markle fell out of Queen Camilla’s graces when both attended separate events on the same day, but the media gave a lot more coverage to Meghan Markle.
Markle made a private visit to the National Theatre, while Camilla delivered a speech to honor the Women of the World Festival's 10th anniversary in London. The news was flooded with pictures of Meghan Markle.
Queen Elizabeth II initially had reservations about her son's relationship with Camilla. It wasn't until years after their affair that the late Queen gave her approval. Just seven months before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II announced that Camilla, who was then the Duchess of Cornwall, would assume the role of Queen Consort when Charles ascended to the throne.
According to royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, Queen Elizabeth II previously called Camilla "that wicked woman," but later on, the two managed to develop a good relationship.
At Charles and Camilla's wedding reception at Windsor Castle in 2005, the late Queen expressed her pride and good wishes, stating, "I'm very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry, with the woman he loves,"
When discussing Queen Camilla's relationships, it is important to note that the most challenging one she has experienced thus far is with the media and the general public.
Tina Brown, a royal biographer, revealed that Queen Camilla had been subjected to derogatory terms like hag, old bag, and witch for a long time. Nevertheless, there has been a significant improvement in the perception of Queen Camilla.
"Her image has been transformed, a carefully managed makeover, and they have done a fantastic job rehabilitating her [reputation]," commented PR executive Roddi Vaughan-Thomas.
See also: The dark secrets of the British royal family
Queen Camilla, a divisive figure among the public, has had a varied reception from the royal family. Aside from her relationship with Charles, is she accepted by the other royals? Are there any positive connections she has made within royal circles?
Take a peek behind palace doors and uncover the dynamics within the royal family. Discover Queen Camilla's most awkward relationships with other royals by clicking through this gallery.
Relationship between Queen Camilla and other royals
Her introduction to the family was far from cordial
CELEBRITY British royal family
Queen Camilla, a divisive figure among the public, has had a varied reception from the royal family. Aside from her relationship with Charles, is she accepted by the other royals? Are there any positive connections she has made within royal circles?
Take a peek behind palace doors and uncover the dynamics within the royal family. Discover Queen Camilla's most awkward relationships with other royals by clicking through this gallery.