'Charles will be a better King with Camilla by his side', says royal expert
18.09.2022 - 11:13
/ ok.co.uk
When King Charles addressed the nation for the first time as our new monarch, he made it clear that his reign will be one of openness and love – and one where his Queen Consort, Camilla, will be by his side. “This is also a time of change for my family.
I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla,” he said. “In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort.
I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely.” This devotion had never been more evident than when the couple went on a walkabout outside Buckingham Palace soon after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite their obvious grief, the couple greeted well-wishers, shaking hands and accepting flowers and gifts from the crowd of mourners.
Their romantic relationship, and their friendship in the early stages of both their respective marriages, has lasted for decades. It has weathered many ups and downs, survived scandals, divorces, grief and even public scorn.There are differing accounts of their first encounter.The more engaging story suggests the pair met at a polo match in Windsor Great Park in the early 70s, with Camilla accosting Charles with the line, “My great-grandmother was the mistress of your great-great-grandfather, so how about it?” However, in his official biography of Charles, Jonathan Dimbleby says the pair were introduced by Charles’ first girlfriend, Lucia Santa Cruz.The two women lived close to each other in Victoria, London, and according to Jonathan, Charles “lost his heart to her almost at once”.