From Scorned Mistress to Respected Queen: Camilla’s Journey to Public Acceptance

It took Queen Camilla many years to gain public approval, especially after the intense criticism she faced following Princess Diana’s tragic death. Initially seen as one of the most disliked figures in Britain due to her affair with then-Prince Charles, Camilla even feared going out in public.

Charles and Camilla first met in 1972 at a polo match through a mutual friend, Lucia Santa Cruz. They briefly dated before Charles left for Royal Navy duties. By the time he returned, Camilla was engaged to Andrew Parker Bowles. Despite their separate marriages, Charles and Camilla remained close, even after Charles married Diana.

Royal biographer Penny Junor revealed that Charles was unsure about marrying Diana but felt trapped by circumstances. Although Camilla and Diana initially got along, tensions grew as Diana saw her as a threat. Charles and Camilla reignited their affair in 1986, leading to Diana confronting Camilla, but their relationship continued.

The scandal deepened with the release of an intimate phone call between Charles and Camilla, known as “Tampongate.” Despite the media backlash, their bond endured, and they married in a civil ceremony on April 9, 2005. At their wedding reception, Queen Elizabeth II humorously compared the couple’s journey to the hurdles in the Grand National horse race, acknowledging their perseverance.

Camilla had an idyllic childhood in East Essex and South Kensington, growing up in an elite family with her siblings, Annabel and Mark. She fondly remembers riding ponies to school and enjoying a simple, countryside life. Her mother, known for her social skills, encouraged Camilla to engage in conversations from a young age.

Camilla attended prestigious schools, including Mon Fertile in Switzerland and the Institut Britannique in Paris, where she studied English and French literature. She later worked as a secretary and receptionist in London, but her stint at Colefax and Fowler ended when she was fired for arriving late after a night out.

Despite early public disdain, Camilla gradually became a respected and beloved member of the royal family, earning admiration for her resilience and dedication.