Queen Camilla has proven to be a grounding influence on King Charles, amid his cancer diagnosis, supporting him both privately and publicly as he carries out his royal duties
Since their marriage 20 years ago – and arguably during the three decades prior to that historic event – Queen Camilla has proved to be a grounding influence on King Charles, supporting him both privately and publicly, as he carries out his royal duties. Never has that support been more crucial than over the past few years – an unprecedented period in royal history that has seen the House of Windsor rocked by one major blow after another.
From the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, followed by the release of Prince Harry ’s damning memoir, Spare , just months later, to King Charles and Princess Catherine’s devastating cancer diagnoses early last year, Queen Camilla has been an unwavering source of strength and quiet calm.
“There is clearly a rod of steel that runs through her. She is so strong, so resilient”, says royal author Katie Nicholl. “She also has a great sense of herself and an ability to overcome all sorts of adversity. Those are the qualities you really see in her when the going gets tough – and it did get tough last year.
” Not only was she having to care for King Charles, but she also had to stand in for him and carry out engagements on his behalf. And she had to reassure the public that their King was okay. “
After his cancer diagnosis was made public in February 2024, Buckingham Palace made it clear Camilla would be stepping up, saying, “Her Majesty will continue with a full programme of public duties.”
From then on, the now 77-year-old attended a string of high-profile events, both in her own right and in her capacity as Charles’s representative. During one of the first engagements, a charity musical evening at Salisbury Cathedral, she was surprisingly candid when asked about husband’s health, telling well-wishers that he was “doing extremely well under the circumstances”.
Last March, Camilla even stood in for the King at the Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral, a ritual that traditionally sees the monarch present the Maundy money – newly minted coins – to key members of the community in recognition of their service.
” The thought of Mrs Parker Bowles distributing the Maundy money 25 years ago would have been risible, “says royal historian Hugo Vickers”. But there she was, the visible face of the monarchy. “
Hugo says the positive reaction to Camilla stepping up reflects how valued she has become”. She is the first consort of a monarch to distribute the Maundy money – and everybody was pleased that she was doing it, “he says”. There wasn’t a single counter remark made about it. Nobody said anything spiteful. They were just really touched that she was taking the trouble to do it and really glad she was there. “
Camilla, who is fiercely committed to dozens of causes, from domestic abuse to children’s literacy and animal welfare, also made sure her own projects didn’t take a back seat while she stood in for the King.
In May, just days before Charles tentatively resumed his public duties, she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to re-launch her Wash Bag Project, which provides sexual assault survivors with toiletries. It was attended by a host of high-profile women, including former Prime Minister Theresa May and former PMs’ wives Cherie Blair and Carrie Johnson.
” I think it just shows her strength and resilience and the fact that she’s a remarkably positive person, “says Katie”. If you look back at her time travelling up and down the country]while Charles was unwell], she was always smiling for the crowds, always having a word of encouragement about the King, about his health battle. She never let the mask slip. The laughter is spontaneous, the smile is genuine. I think she’s incredibly authentic. “
Camilla’s sunny disposition may be genuine, but she certainly doesn’t suffer fools – especially when their behaviour compromises the wellbeing of her loved ones.
Even though it was reported that she and Meghan Markle initially got on like “aces”, relations reportedly soured after the Duchess and Prince Harry tore into King Charles and Prince William during their headline-grabbing Oprah Winfrey interview.
” I don’t think Camilla will ever forgive Meghan for what she’s done]to Charles], “a royal source said at the time. Again, this was an example of Camilla having her husband’s back, and having welcomed Meghan into the royal fold with” warmth and support”, she no doubt felt blindsided.
” She has compassion, but she can be tough – some would say ruthless – when she needs to be, “royal biographer Penny Junior wrote in her book, The Duchess: The Untold Story“. She is nobody’s fool and won’t be pushed around by anyone. “
Unshakable Camilla has stood firm at Charles’s side during decades of turbulence, not least in the mid-1990s, when he was navigating his very public divorce and then the tragic death of his first wife.
“After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, Charles was destroyed, his popularity through the floor,” Junor wrote. “Camilla made considerable sacrifices to rehabilitate him, and to support and bolster him.”
Charles’s commitment to his wife has never foundered either, most likely because he recognises and appreciates the positive effect her presence has on him. As royal author Christopher Wilson has put it, they simply” work well as a team”, with calming Camilla acting as the” yin to his yang”.
Penny Junor praised the Queen’s” warm “nature, explaining”, When things go pear-shaped, she doesn’t panic or allow others to panic around her. Her first instinct is to laugh, and that has been her saving grace throughout all the years of heartache. “
After his mother’s passing, Camilla again provided Charles with a much-needed sense of stability. Royal photographer Arthur Edwards recalled how she famously worked her magic on Charles when he became frustrated over a leaky fountain pen in the days following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022.
” She calmed him down. She’s got an amazing way to soothe him, “he said”. She makes him laugh. She’s just always there to support him – and that’s her way. “
Reflecting on the positive impact Camilla has had on the King in recent years, Arthur added, “He’s now a much happier person. He’s contented. And he always refers to her as ‘my darling wife’.”
While not prone to sentimentality, Charles himself clearly values Camilla’s supportive presence more than anyone.
” It’s always marvellous to have somebody who you feel understands and wants to encourage, “Charles told US news channel CNN shortly after the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary”. Although she certainly pokes fun if I get too serious about things. And all that helps. “
Source: Mirror
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