Staff at Clarence House have unveiled a three-word ‘nickname’ they use when referring to Queen Camilla, shedding light on her role within the Royal Family. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, Camilla assumed a greater role as Charles ascended the throne. In his inaugural speech, King Charles III commended his wife for her unwavering support and devoted “loyal public service.” The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place on May 6, 2023.
Hilary Rose, a journalist and author, highlighted that Camilla’s path to royalty was not always certain, with the late Queen initially describing her as “that wicked woman.” However, their bond grew warmer over shared interests in horses and dogs, as revealed in Rose’s ‘The Secret Diary of Queen Camilla’. Queen Elizabeth II expressed her “sincerest wish” in 2022 for Camilla to be named Queen Consort upon Charles’ reign. As King Charles faced a cancer diagnosis and amid Kate Middleton’s cancer battle, Prince William prioritised his family, allowing Queen Camilla to take on more Royal responsibilities.
Queen Camilla has been commended for her increased duties following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s step back from Royal roles and Princess Anne’s hospitalisation after a horse-riding accident. Described as ‘the lady boss’ by some Clarence House staff, Camilla’s friend stated that she flourished by being authentic, steadfast, and composed, avoiding dramatic reactions. Her resilience and strong sense of duty during challenging times have garnered admiration, with many acknowledging her serene and composed demeanour amidst family controversies.
Tina Brown, in ‘The Palace Papers’, suggested that if Camilla had a family motto, it might be “thou shalt not whine”. Recently, Camilla was present at Holyrood as Charles addressed MSPs during the commemoration of the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary. Dressed in a kilt, King Charles III spoke optimistically about the future, emphasising Scotland’s significance to the Royal Family. As Camilla continues to navigate her role as Queen Consort, her grace under pressure and commitment to her duties are widely appreciated within the Royal circle and beyond.