Once dubbed 'Britain's most hated woman', Camilla Parker Bowles has quietly transformed her public image, according to royal insiders. The Duchess of Cornwall, now 71, is described as 'now quite popular' by royal expert Phil Dampier, who believes most people will accept her as Queen when the time comes.
Camilla met Prince Charles in the summer of 1971. Royal biographer Penny Juror says the prince was instantly taken with her because she was 'not in any way overawed by him, not fawning or sycophantic'. However, the couple were prevented from marrying then as Camilla was deemed 'unsuitable' due to an insufficiently aristocratic background, despite her maternal grandfather being a baron.
After marrying Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973 and having two children, the couple divorced in 1995. Camilla married Charles in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall in April 2005. Since becoming a full member of the royal family, she has worked to change public perception, carrying out 219 engagements in 2018, including 70 during overseas tours.
Her sense of humour is often highlighted. Former boyfriend Kevin Burke described her as 'never tongue-tied or shy' and always having 'something amusing' to say. Robert Jobson, author of Charles at Seventy, said his wife brings him 'balance' and 'a great sense of humour', resulting in a 'smiley and laughing' prince.
Camilla is patron or president of more than 90 charities and has made historic visits, such as the recent trip to Cuba. Lynn Faulds Wood, ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society, praised Camilla's dedication, noting she often carries out 'secret visits' that do not garner publicity, suggesting genuine care in her work.
