Queen Camilla Celebrates 77th Birthday
The late Queen Elizabeth reportedly sympathized with Camilla Parker Bowles following her divorce, referring to her as "a much-maligned woman," according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward.
Camilla first caught the eye of the then Prince Charles in 1970, but their relationship ended after a year. She married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, leaving Charles heartbroken before his "marriage of the century" with Princess Diana in 1981.
In January 1993, intimate phone conversations between Prince Charles and Camilla were leaked. After Camilla and Andrew divorced in 1995, Charles and Diana's marriage also ended a year later, creating a "very unpleasant" period for Camilla, as noted by Seward.
In the 2023 documentary "Queen Camilla: Defiant," Seward reveals that Camilla was virtually a "prisoner" in her home post-divorce, earning compassion from the late Queen. Seward states, "Camilla was vilified and hated by everyone. The Queen felt very sorry for her and called her 'that much-maligned woman.'"
Queen Elizabeth had known the Parker Bowles family for years, as Andrew's father was a close friend of the Queen Mother. This connection deepened the Queen's empathy for Camilla during her difficult time, especially after Princess Diana's death.
In 2024, Queen Camilla has been praised for her pivotal role in supporting the Royal Family. With Princess Kate and King Charles both battling cancer and Prince William focused on caring for his family, Camilla has stepped up as a diligent royal.
Despite her dedication, Seward notes that Camilla "never wanted to be Queen" and did not anticipate such a demanding role. She adds, "Camilla is used to a more leisurely country life, but the Queen saw her dedication to duty and to Charles."
On July 17, Prince William and Kate Middleton extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Queen Camilla on her 77th birthday. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a delightful picture of Camilla on their official Instagram, celebrating her special day.
