By Ingrid Seward
In her new book, The Queen and Her Family: A Personal Portrait of the Modern Monarchy, royal biographer Ingrid Seward reveals some surprising insights into the Queen’s relationship with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Seward claims that even when the public despised Camilla for her role in the breakdown of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage, the Queen privately thought that marrying her would be the making of Charles. And anyway, she had always believed that Diana should have gone for Prince Andrew instead.
According to Seward, the Queen was not fond of Diana, whom she found “manipulative and needy”. She also blamed her for bringing unwanted attention and scandal to the royal family. She thought that Diana was too young and inexperienced for Charles, and that they had nothing in common.
On the other hand, the Queen admired Camilla for her loyalty, discretion, and sense of humor. She recognized that Camilla was the true love of Charles’ life, and that she made him happy and relaxed. She also appreciated that Camilla did not seek the spotlight or interfere with royal duties.
Seward writes that the Queen secretly supported Charles and Camilla’s relationship, and even encouraged them to marry after Diana’s death. She hoped that by giving them her blessing, she would help them overcome the public hostility and media scrutiny that they faced.
The Queen’s support for Camilla paid off, as the couple eventually won over the hearts of the nation and the world. Camilla proved to be a devoted and dutiful wife to Charles, and a respectful and friendly stepmother to William and Harry. She also became a valued member of the royal family, and a trusted confidante of the Queen.
Seward’s book, which is based on her decades of covering the royals and her personal interviews with the Queen and her relatives, offers a rare glimpse into the private thoughts and feelings of the monarch. It also sheds light on the complex and fascinating dynamics of the royal family, and how they have adapted to the changing times.
