King Charles considered Queen Camilla a "non-negotiable" figure in his life, particularly after the death of Princess Diana, according to British author Catherine Mayer's new book, "Divide & Rule." The book, which examines misunderstood royal wives and the evolution of the monarchy, suggests that Charles recognized Camilla as the one person who could provide him with essential support.
Mayer stated that anonymous friends of the monarch reported Charles viewed Camilla's role in his life as "non-negotiable," leading to significant efforts to improve her public image. "He understood that this was the one woman who could really sustain him," Mayer told Fox News Digital. "And I think he felt the need for that kind of support, and Camilla has clearly always been prepared to do that."
The author described the relationship between Charles and Camilla as one of "the most unlikely love stories." She noted that while many believed in the fairy-tale marriage of Charles and Diana, its eventual collapse forced a reevaluation of that narrative, casting Camilla in the role of the "other woman."
Mayer, who previously authored a biography of Charles, observed Camilla's significant impact on him during her research. "You would see him tired, very obviously out of sorts," she recounted. "And then she would come into a room, and he would light up. She just lifts him."
According to People magazine, Charles first met Camilla through a mutual friend in 1970. However, palace expectations at the time reportedly deemed her unsuitable as a future queen due to her not being a virgin and lacking the aristocratic pedigree sought for such a role. Mayer characterized Camilla as someone who "enjoyed life" and had past relationships, including her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles. This led to a situation where the institution viewed her as a companion for Charles rather than a suitable wife.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner suggested that Camilla offered Charles a sense of "masculinity" and evoked "sexual desire," treating him "like a man rather than a royal." The perceived incompatibility led to Charles and Camilla separating. Charles joined the Royal Navy, and in 1973, Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles. Despite this, Charles and Camilla remained friends, and their relationship reportedly reignited around 1978 or 1979.
While Charles pursued Lady Diana Spencer, who was seen as an ideal match due to her virginity and aristocratic background, he and Camilla reportedly resumed their physical relationship in 1986, even while both were married. Diana, in recordings for Andrew Morton's book "Diana: Her True Story," recalled confronting Camilla about the affair. "I was terrified of her," Diana stated, adding that she told Camilla, "I know what's going on between you and Charles, and I just want you to know that."
Diana famously remarked in a later interview that "there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." Charles and Diana separated in 1992, divorcing in 1996. Diana died in a car crash in 1997. Charles married Camilla in 2005, and she was crowned Queen Camilla in 2023.
Turner commented that Camilla has been beneficial to Charles, acting as his confidante, mentor, and companion, supporting his role as king. Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, agreed that Camilla was "non-negotiable" for Charles, noting that the palace eventually accepted their union, making Camilla the queen consort when Charles ascended the throne, with "no plan B."