Evolution of image. How Camilla went from being 'third wheel' to Queen of England

The beginning of a relationship with the Prince of Wales

They met in 1971. They were first introduced to each other at the home of their friend Luisa Santa Cruz. The future spouses became close friends and eventually started dating, and this was well-known among the couple's friends.

When Charles and Camilla officially confirmed that they were together, they began to meet regularly at polo matches on Smith's Lawn in Windsor Great Park, where Charles often played polo at the time. They also visited the Annabelle nightclub.

Charles III and Queen Camilla (photo: Getty Images)

When the relationship moved to a new stage, Charles met Camilla's family in Plumpton and introduced her to some of his family members. The connection between them was interrupted after the future king went abroad to join the Royal Navy in early 1973. After that, their communication came to an abrupt end.

Robert Lacey wrote in his book Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that this may have happened because Charles met Camilla early on and did not ask her to wait for him when he went abroad.

Some sources also suggested that Queen Elizabeth II did not approve of their marriage because she wanted her eldest son to marry one of the granddaughters of her close friend, Lady Fermoy. However, most royal experts still agreed that if Charles and Camilla had wanted to marry or tried to do so at the time, they would have been forbidden to do so, as some palace courtiers considered Camilla unworthy of the role of the future monarch's wife.

When Charles heard about Camilla's engagement to Andrew Parker-Bowles in 1973, he wrote to Lord Mountbatten that he hoped "the feeling of emptiness would pass in time." In August 1979, Mountbatten was killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Charles had a hard time with his death and allegedly resumed his relationship with Camilla for comfort.

During this period, rumors began to circulate among Parker-Bowles's close friends that Camilla and the Prince of Wales had resumed a romantic relationship. As reported in some sources, Camilla's husband approved of this communication, as he himself had numerous mistresses throughout his marriage to his legitimate wife.

Relationships become public

In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. The relationship between Camilla and Charles became publicly known in the press after the publication of the book Diana: Her True Story, which was published in 1992. The following year, a scandal erupted in the media over the wiretapping and subsequent publication of a telephone conversation between Charles and Camilla, which was called Camillagate. This situation damaged the future king's popularity, and the media began to speak negatively about Camilla.

In 1994, Charles finally confirmed his relationship with Mrs. Parker-Bowles, saying that she "is a great friend of his." Later, the future King of Britain admitted that his relationship with her resumed after his marriage to Diana had effectively broken down.

After the high-profile divorce from Diana in 1996 and her tragic death in 1997, the public remained extremely negative towards Camilla. She was called a "divorcee" and blamed for the ruined marriage of the prince and the popular favorite Lady Dee.

Charles III and Queen Camilla (photo: Getty Images)

Transformation into an acceptable figure in the monarchy

Over the years, Charles gradually introduced Camilla to public life because he wanted to be close to this woman. She was able to change people's attitudes, among other things, through charity work and participation in official events. The couple finally managed to get married in 2005, and Queen Elizabeth II eventually began to recognize the role of her son's chosen one in the monarchy.

Camilla has been actively involved in supporting social initiatives, particularly in the fight against domestic violence, as well as healthcare and education. Her modest demeanor and naturalness helped her to gradually change the way the British viewed her.

Queen Consort Camilla (photo: Getty Images)

Official recognition of status

After the death of Elizabeth II in September 2022, Prince Charles became King of the United Kingdom, and his chosen one received the title of Queen Consort. This event made it clear that she had finally gained official status in the royal family.

The coronation took place in May 2023 and was a kind of culmination of their long journey as a couple. Camilla, whose name was associated with scandals, eventually became one of the key figures in the royal family. She changed her public image through dedication, wisdom, and patience.

Queen Camilla's style

It is known that the royal person resorts to some tricks to look even better. A team of stylists selects her wardrobe for trips and social events, and stylist Miranda Golder said that Camilla knows what tricks she should use in her outfits.

Charles's chosen one is 172 cm tall, and to make herself look taller, she often wears kimono-style clothes made of chiffon or taffeta, which visually lengthen her silhouette. For example, at her wedding to Charles, the royal appeared in an embroidered kimono-style coat and looked truly amazing for a bride of her age.

Charles III and Queen Camilla on their wedding day (photo: Getty Images)

Queen Consort Camilla (photo: Getty Images)

In addition, the expert said that Camilla wears clothes with a slightly open neckline. She also wears some of Elizabeth II's jewelry, but despite this, the Queen Consort also has her own favorite accessories, to which she remains loyal and wears quite often.

From the photos posted online, you can see that the representative of the monarchy is not afraid to experiment with different color combinations, add voluminous hats, jewelry, and choose a variety of handbags and gloves.

Her outfits are mostly feminine formal dresses that emphasize the look and make it as elegant as possible.

We also wrote that Princess Beatrice became a mother for the second time.

Sources: information about Charles and Camilla from Wikipedia, Express.co.uk, posts with photos of the British monarchy on Instagram.