Queen Camilla
Their loyalty was shown after Diana’s death
Camilla made King Charles III. “to a happy man”.
© imago/cover images
Camilla went from being a hate figure to a recognized king’s consort. Royal expert Julia Melchior explains how she did it.
If King Charles III. (74) will be crowned in London’s Westminster Abbey on May 6th, his wife (since 2005) Camilla (75) will also become queen. With this comes an incredible transformation from the former number one hate figure to the recognized wife of the British king. In an interview with spot on news, royal expert Julia Melchior explains how Camilla did it and why her loyalty to the royal family was already evident after the accidental death of Charles’ first wife, Princess Diana (1961-1997), in 1997. Further details can also be seen in her film “Charles III. – Britannia’s new king”, which will be broadcast on ZDF on April 30 at 11:45 p.m.
Camilla has gone from being one of the world’s most hated people to the acknowledged king’s consort. How did she do it?
Julia Melchior: Mainly through loyalty. Opposite her husband and the royal house. She accepts that the institution around the head of state is the focus and not her personal sensitivities. She has staying power and a thick skin. And never a word of complaint was heard. She had every reason to be. She has endured far more pressure and malice from the public and the media than any other member of the royal family; Duchess Meghan included.
It is also amazing that Charles and Camilla have become a very popular couple together. How did they do that?
Melchior: Charles and Camilla are not a glamor couple and they are not royal superstars like heir to the throne William and his wife Kate – or for others Harry and Meghan – but they are quite popular. There is, of course, an anti-monarchy movement that has gained momentum with the change of throne. But the “Not my king” campaign is not aimed at Charles and Camilla. Rather, it’s the opposite of “God save the king”. The opponents are concerned with the form of government of the hereditary monarchy and the institution of the royal house. There is definitely a need for reform. But Charles and Camilla themselves are considered reliable and hardworking. You have really earned the sympathy over the years.
Camilla’s loyalty to the royals basically began after the accidental death of Princess Diana in 1997…
Melchior: You can see it that way. She withdrew completely after Diana died. It was clear to her that this wasn’t about her and her happiness with Charles, but about Charles’ sons who lost their mother. And this ability to take a step back was viewed very positively by most in hindsight.
How do you think Camilla managed to process the hate towards her?
Melchior: She didn’t talk about how she felt until twenty years later. It was the worst time of her life, which she would not wish on her worst enemy. She couldn’t leave the house anymore. When she did go out, she was insulted and thrown at. She lived behind closed curtains because the paparazzi lurked in front of the house. She would not have made it without her children and her sister. They encouraged her then.
What’s amazing is that she seems to have made her peace with the past after all?
Melchior: I agree. Camilla has a positive attitude. Whoever meets her personally, experiences her as a likeable woman. Camilla and Charles have taken a long time to be recognized as a couple. And now they have also arrived in their role. The recent state visit to Germany is a good example of this. We saw Charles and Camilla there as king and queen. They didn’t appear disguised in this new role, but exuded self-confidence.
An interesting aspect of your film “Charles III – Britannia’s new king” (Arte/ZDF) is the reference to the fact that Camilla did not have any cosmetic surgery. What conclusions about her personality does that allow?
Melchior: It is an indication that she is at peace with herself and content with herself. She radiates serenity and joie de vivre. And unlike before, photographers also love Camilla because she pays attention to them. So let them shine. You have to imagine that first: What did the media expect of Camilla in the past – that she doesn’t hold grudges and instead deals with them so confidently is remarkable. Most royals have a problem with the cameras because they are the permanent companion. Camilla has not been intimidated by her experiences. I think she is a strong and courageous woman. And of course she also knows that the pictures are part of the business. Conversely, she can also throw the spotlight on topics that are important to her.
What do you think of the issues Camilla has championed as a working royal?
Melchior: I find your commitment in the fight against sexual abuse and domestic violence particularly worth mentioning. She could have chosen an easier topic, but that’s how it turned out. Years ago, during one of her appointments, she was confronted with the fate of a woman who had become the worst victim of domestic violence. And that kept her so busy that she made it her mission to change something about it from her position. So it became one of the big issues that she campaigns for. And that goes down well with the general public.