- Queen Camilla was initially terrified to meet Prince William, and from the start, their relationship was said to be strained.
- Recent reports involving an incident between Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales have led to significant criticism from fans.
- Today, Camilla and William have developed a relatively good relationship due to mutual respect for their roles.
With rumors that Queen Camilla had taken action against Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, the monarch has become the subject of intense controversy and criticism from the general public.
Strong reactions have been sparked by the incident, with many people taking to social media to voice their disgust and claim that Camilla’s actions were disrespectful and uncalled for.
When Prince William was a young man, Queen Camilla had been dating his father, King Charles III, since the latter’s marriage to Princess Diana.
Camilla and Charles eventually were married in 2005, following Diana’s death and years of intense public scrutiny. This marriage brought Camilla closer to William and Prince Harry.
Despite Camilla being 16 months older than Charles, they were immediately attracted to each other when they first met in the summer of 1970.
Penny Junor, who is the author of “The Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair That Rocked the Crown,” stated, “Charles loved that Camilla smiled with her eyes as well as her mouth, and laughed at the same silly things he did.”
After dating for a while, the two enjoyed a happy, calm, and blissful relationship. But they also encountered difficulties that ultimately drove them apart.
According to Penny, Charles’s great-uncle, Lord Mountbatten, disapproved of his connection with Camilla because he thought she wasn’t a virgin or aristocratic enough. Camilla was also madly in love with Andrew Parker Bowles, an Army officer.
Still, Camilla chose to stay because Charles adored and relied on her. As she reportedly told a friend, “It’s wonderful to be loved.” Charles and Camilla tied the knot at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005, eight years after Diana’s death.
In the memoir “Spare,” Harry divulged that after the tragic death of their mother in 1997, both he and William pleaded with their father not to marry Camilla.
Royal expert and author of “The King: The Life of Charles III,” Christopher Andersen, noted that the brothers have harbored long-standing resentment toward Camilla.
He revealed, “They pleaded with their father not to marry her and only grudgingly agreed to go along with the charade if Charles kept his promise not to make her queen.”
The brothers knew the title of queen would have belonged to Diana if Camilla hadn’t disrupted their parents’ marriage. When Charles went back on his promise, both William and Harry felt deeply betrayed.
Christopher claimed, “Camilla was so terrified at the prospect of meeting William that when she finally met him at Clarence House, she was trembling like a leaf and needed a vodka and tonic afterward.”
Camilla’s fear was understandable, given that she was aware of the impact her role had on Charles and Diana’s marriage.
Aside from William and Harry’s attitude towards Camilla, public opinion was also not on her side for years. This took a toll on her as she said, “It’s not easy. I was scrutinized for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it.”
However, Camilla emphasized that ultimately, she rose above the public scrutiny and moved forward. She noted that it was essential to continue with life despite the ongoing public attention.
Still, she was determined to thrive. Ingrid shared, “What Camilla did… she worked really hard at looking after Charles. Once she was married to Charles, she really took on the burden of royal duties, which isn’t easy for someone [who] hasn’t been brought up to it.”
She lived up to her responsibilities while trying to build a relationship with her new family. Yet, Prince William’s relationship with Camilla was not as solid ground as his relationship with his dad.
However, since ascending the throne, Charles has relied on his heir for support. Before now, claims suggest Charles was once closer to his younger son, Harry, than William.
Nevertheless, it appears that father and eldest son have reconciled, partly due to the efforts of the Princess of Wales. According to a new royal book, William’s respect for his father was not always evident during his early years as Prince of Wales.
In his book, “Catherine, The Princess of Wales: The Biography,” author Robert Jobson reveals that Camilla would often gently remind William of his position in relation to his father.
Robert described an instance when William and Kate requested to join Charles and Camilla’s security convoy departing from Windsor Castle. However, the two kept the older royals waiting.
Camilla reportedly insisted on leaving without them. This led to William and Kate seeing only the flashing lights of the departing motorbikes as they emerged.
Fans, upon learning about this incident, have expressed a range of opinions about Camilla and her relationship with William. One fan stated, “Camilla deserves all the disrespect Britain can dish out to her.”
Another commented, “She’s been his stepmother for a long time and sometimes parents and stepparents have to put you in your place royalty or not. Lol.”
More fans voiced strong opinions about Queen Camilla and her role within the royal family. One commented, “Not sure she knows what disrespectful means given her own behavior.”
Another warned, “Camilla should watch her step. She outranks William right now, but that isn’t going to be the case in a couple of years.”
One fan speculated, “Charlie has Camilla taken care of and she had their own home before they married. The mare will be put out to pasture when William takes over. Notice he doesn’t bow to her.”
A critic also added, “She is more than cheeky. The fact that she thinks she should/could even keep Prince William ‘in check’ is another case of her delusions of grandeur.”
An online user also warned, “She better get ready for the reign of King William. She will be banished and rightfully [so]. Karma always prevails.”
A further comment stated, “Better watch it camy. Once chuck is gone you’re either gonna be back in the stable or rooming with Andrew. Take a lesson from sis.”
As developments unfolded within the royal family, William is said to have developed a stronger bond with Camilla. This closeness comes from him recognizing and valuing her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities.
Additionally, as per royal expert Hilary Fordwich, they have bonded over their spouses coping with cancer treatment.
On February 5, 2024, the royal family announced that Charles had recently undergone a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. Another health concern was discovered during this time as diagnostic tests revealed a form of cancer.
His Majesty began a regular treatment schedule and has been optimistic about his treatment, eager to resume his full public duties.
Former Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assured the public that the cancer was caught early. As the public wished him a quick recovery, Harry also flew from the US to see his father and William.
This procedure was originally reported as a treatment for a non-cancerous condition. However, post-operative tests unexpectedly detected cancer, leading to the immediate start of preventative chemotherapy treatments for the Princess.
As much as William and Camilla bonded over their spouse’s health ordeal, the pair’s relationship still seems to be on the mend.
In July 2024, The Prince of Wales removed Annabel Elliot, Camilla’s sister and interior designer, from the Duchy of Cornwall payroll following his assumption of the role.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard noted that William and his father have not always agreed. She explained that they often clash due to differing opinions and leadership styles.
William is described as more methodical and decisive, with a tendency to take a firmer stance on issues compared to his father, who is portrayed as more emotional and guided by his heart.
Helena also reiterated that Camilla, as Charles’ support, ensures William remains aware of any potential disrespect toward his father when needed. Despite past tensions, William and Camilla now have a relatively good relationship, with mutual respect for each other’s strengths.
Helena emphasized that despite disagreements on certain protocols, the royal family recognizes the importance of supporting one another.
Hilary also commented that William has consistently been courteous towards Camilla, and their relationship has remained civil.
He noted that Camilla has been astute enough not to attempt to instruct William, which has contributed to their smooth interactions.
