Queen Camilla’s remarkable journey from a controversial figure to a respected and integral member of the Royal Family has unfolded in full public view.
At 77, she gracefully embraced her role alongside King Charles, but her transformation wasn’t achieved alone. According to royal expert and author Robert Jobson, another key royal played a crucial part in shaping Camilla’s public image and royal position: the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking to the Express, Jobson explained that Queen Elizabeth II made a decisive and strategic move that secured Camilla’s place within royal history. He noted, “Their story reached a pivotal moment when Queen Elizabeth II, with great foresight, ensured Camilla’s future by welcoming her into the Privy Council and expressing her hope that she would be known as Queen Consort.”
This public endorsement not only altered royal tradition but also shifted public perception, effectively quieting critics and solidifying Camilla’s status as a vital member of the Royal Family.
In 2022, not long before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II publicly expressed her “sincere wish” that Camilla be recognized as Queen Consort when Charles ascended the throne — a significant step given the controversy that once surrounded Camilla, particularly due to her relationship with Charles during his marriage to Princess Diana.
Grant Harrold, former royal butler to King Charles, echoed this sentiment in his conversation with the Express.
He explained that while the late Queen was known for her commitment to tradition and protocol, her public endorsement of Camilla was a powerful statement aimed at unifying both the family and the public behind the decision. Harrold said, “If the Queen supported it, everyone else would follow.”
He also highlighted the importance of Camilla’s inclusion in the Privy Council — a move that positions her to step in for the King should he ever be unable to perform his duties.
Harrold emphasized the significance of this, adding that other senior royals — including Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Harry — are also members of the council, ready to act if necessary.
Today, as King Charles and Queen Camilla mark their 20th wedding anniversary during their visit to Italy, their story stands as a testament to personal growth, public acceptance, and the power of royal approval in shaping history.
