Queen Camilla is facing what her biographer Angela Levin describes as "the test of her lifetime" as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare for their return to Britain. Levin, author of "Camilla: From Outcast To Queen Consort," expressed concerns that the presence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could reopen old wounds for the royal family.
Levin noted that Camilla, who has been married to King Charles III for 21 years, has consistently been a steadfast supporter of the King. She has been described as his closest confidante, most trusted aide, and the person who can always make him laugh. Her support has remained unwavering, even during difficult periods.
During her own wedding in 2005, Camilla reportedly experienced significant anxiety about public reaction, with a friend of hers recalling fears of facing jeering crowds and even thrown fruit due to the lingering adoration for the late Princess Diana. It was her sister, Annabel Elliot, who encouraged her to proceed with resolve and dignity.
Navigating Royal Life
Camilla has established herself as an integral part of the royal operation and has gained public approval. She is also a devoted mother to her children, Tom and Laura, and a cornerstone of King Charles's reign.
Historically, Camilla's relationship with the King's sons, particularly Harry, has been a sensitive issue. For years, she endured public criticism for her role in the context of the boys' relationship with their mother. Harry, in particular, has been vocal about his feelings.
When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018, Camilla reportedly attempted to assist the American actress in navigating royal life, drawing from her own experience as an outsider. She offered private lunches and advice on managing the pressures of being within "The Firm." However, according to a close friend of Camilla's, Meghan showed little enthusiasm for these overtures and chose to define her role on her and Harry's own terms.
Prince Harry's public sentiments towards Camilla have been expressed in his 2023 memoir "Spare" and subsequent interviews. In a "60 Minutes" interview, he described her as "dangerous" due to her media connections and labeled her a "villain." He also stated, "I don't look at her as an evil stepmother. I see someone who married into this institution and has done everything that she can to improve her own reputation and her own image for her own sake."
Levin contends that Camilla's record is one of dutiful service, highlighted by her extensive charity work. She recalled an instance in July when the Sussexes visited Britain and met with the King at Highgrove. Camilla insisted on being present during the meeting, a decision Levin believes was correct, despite potential displeasure from Harry and Meghan. Levin suggested that Camilla recognized Harry's headstrong nature, contrasting it with the King's gentler demeanor, and aimed to support the King through what could have been a difficult encounter.
Current Challenges
With the Sussexes' impending return to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, Levin anticipates that past tensions could resurface. She suggested that Harry's continued coolness towards Camilla is particularly unkind, given that both King Charles and Queen Camilla had hoped to put past rivalries behind them as they focus on their later years of service and reflection. The King is currently undergoing cancer treatment, adding another layer of demand to the royal couple's lives. Queen Camilla recently admitted in an interview that keeping her husband's diagnosis private had been "quite difficult," especially as she had helped open a cancer support center for Maggie's cancer charity in January 2024, a month before the public was informed of the King's condition.
Despite medical advice to reduce his workload, King Charles continues with his royal duties, with Camilla playing a crucial role in managing his schedule, advising on rest and when to continue with engagements. Their partnership has enabled them to adapt.
Levin fears the Sussexes' return will introduce additional stress for the King. She noted Camilla's close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, formed during the COVID-19 pandemic through daily Zoom calls. Camilla was recently seen wearing a brooch belonging to the late Queen at York races, a gesture seen as a tribute to her mother-in-law. Levin believes Queen Elizabeth would have been upset by her grandson's actions but would have maintained her composure, a quality Levin attributes to Camilla as well. She concluded that both the King and Queen will face any challenges with unwavering devotion to each other and the country, with Queen Camilla continuing her duties as she has throughout her time in the royal family.