Camilla disliked becoming queen, preferred privacy

A new book by royal author Tom Quinn reveals that Camilla, now queen, once disliked the idea of being queen. In "Yes, Ma'am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants," Quinn shares insights from interviews with palace staff. Quinn claims that Camilla was aware of the intense scrutiny that comes with royal life. When she first met Charles in the 1970s, she was hesitant to marry him, fearing the public attention. Camilla reportedly expressed her dislike for royal protocol, telling Charles he needed to escape it. Despite her concerns, he insisted she would become queen. After their marriage in 2005, Camilla still worried about the responsibilities of being queen. Many believed she preferred a quieter life away from public scrutiny. Quinn points out that Charles relied on her emotionally and that their relationship endured over the years, despite challenges. Prince William and Prince Harry were not enthusiastic about Camilla becoming their stepmother. According to Quinn, they even nicknamed her "Lady Macbeth" and urged Charles not to marry her. However, Charles remained committed to Camilla, which ultimately led to the couple’s marriage. Despite initial public dislike towards her, Camilla gradually won over many Britons with her relatable demeanor. In February 2022, Queen Elizabeth II expressed her wish for Camilla to be known as "Queen Consort." However, there had been discussions about Camilla using the title "Princess Consort" to avoid controversy. In 2023, Camilla was officially crowned as "Queen Camilla." Tensions remain in the royal family, especially following Harry's criticisms of Camilla in his memoir. He described her efforts to improve her image, suggesting she had become "dangerous" by forging connections with the media. Harry and William had previously begged their father not to marry Camilla, fearing she would become a "wicked stepmother." The ongoing rift between Harry and Charles has been worsened by his comments about Camilla, as royal observers note Kamilla's reputation is a sensitive topic for the king.