King Charles and Queen Camilla’s relationship began with a controversial affair while both were married to others. Though initially disliked by the public and some Royals, Camilla eventually became a respected member of the Royal Family.
Camilla grew up in Sussex with her close sister Annabel, who mostly stayed out of the spotlight but recently shared insights about Charles and Camilla’s marriage.
Their relationship dates back to 1972, introduced by a mutual friend at a polo match. They dated briefly before Charles joined the Royal Navy, during which time Camilla got engaged to Andrew Parker Bowles.
King Charles & Queen Camilla
Bowles and Camilla married in 1973, but Camilla stayed close to Charles. In 1980, Charles began dating Diana Spencer, who initially got along with Camilla. However, Diana later felt threatened by Camilla.
Charles and Camilla’s affair reportedly began in 1986, while he was still married to Diana. Diana confronted Camilla after learning the truth.
Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and finalized their divorce in 1996, though they kept up their royal duties during the split.
Infamous Tampongate scandal
By late 1989, rumors about Charles and Camilla’s affair were public. Months after Charles and Diana separated, a leaked phone call exposed their intimate conversation.
The transcript shocked the nation, with Charles saying things like “live inside her trousers.” A poll showed 68% believed Charles ruined his reputation, and 42% wanted Prince William to become king instead.
Camilla faced harsh criticism from both the public and the Royal Family.
Queen Camilla was afraid of leaving her house
Camilla was unpopular with the British public and even Queen Elizabeth initially avoided her. According to royal expert Angela Levin, Camilla faced severe public backlash, often staying home to avoid abuse and sending friends on errands for her. She was labeled harsh names like “rottweiler” and endured much mistreatment. Charles personally paid for her security until their 2005 marriage, after which she received publicly funded protection.
“She can never be sure how people are going to react”
Levin said Charles didn’t realize how hard things were for Camilla at first. She had no protection because she wasn’t officially royal. When he found out, he paid for her security himself.
Though Camilla grew more popular over time, Levin thinks she still “bears the scars” and often feels nervous about how people see her. Some still strongly oppose her.
Today, public opinion has changed a lot. PR expert Luana Ribeira calls Camilla’s acceptance a “PR miracle,” though she may never fully win everyone’s hearts, especially given the strong feelings from the 1990s.
Camilla was “demonized” by the public, expert says
Queen Camilla is known as a straightforward, no-nonsense figure who may never be truly loved by the British public but has earned their grudging respect. Expert Ribeira says her best strategy is to keep being herself—loyal, devoted, and persistent despite years of criticism.
Supported by her husband, the Royal Family, and lifelong friend Annabel Elliot, Camilla’s steady “keep calm and carry on” attitude is key to her ongoing redemption.
Annabel reveals new details on Queen Camilla and King Charles’ marriage
Camilla and her sister Annabel were inseparable growing up. They married in the same year, had children around the same time, and enjoyed family holidays together.
Though Annabel stayed out of the public eye, she recently spoke in the BBC1 documentary Charles III: The Coronation Year, highlighting Camilla as King Charles’ steady “rock” through difficult times.
“She is his rock — loyal and steady,” Annabel said. “They are like yin and yang, very different but perfectly balanced.”
Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, noted their strong family bond during the coronation, saying it felt like a warm family event, not just a royal ceremony.
“It was quite a moment”
Anabel Elliot has run her interior design and antiques business in Dorset for over 30 years. In 2014, she was named the fifth most influential female interior designer in the UK.
She worked closely with King Charles, starting with his Welsh home, Llwywormwood, purchased in 2006. Between 2005 and 2008, she earned over $380,000 for her work, which some saw as cronyism, but Clarence House defended her as a trusted, established designer.
Queen Camilla often travels across the UK, and despite many aides, Anabel remains by her sister’s side, advising her. She was also present at King Charles’s coronation, supporting Queen Camilla.
Annabel Elliot had important role in the coronation
The documentary Charles III: The Coronation Year gave a rare look behind the scenes. Annabel watched Camilla walk to Westminster Abbey for her coronation and became emotional.
Annabel and Fiona, close friends of Camilla, served as Ladies in Attendance during the ceremony.
Annabel recalled watching the Queen’s coronation as a child on a tiny black-and-white TV and said, “Seeing the golden coach with my sister inside was surreal. I couldn’t believe it was real.”
Before entering the Abbey, she felt nervous for Camilla, who is smaller than her, wondering, “Is she going to be okay?”