With the Duke and Duchess of Sussex weeks away from returning to the UK, Queen Camilla has played a vital role in reuniting Prince Harry with his father after years of accusations and tension. Harry and Meghan Markle have lived in California for six years since quitting royal roles in 2020, but are now expected to return to Harry's home country for an indefinite period.
While the Sussexes' future residence is unknown, it is believed Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are enrolled in UK schools to start the school year in September. Harry has been determined to mend his fractured relationship with his father, but has long been at odds with his stepmother, Queen Camilla.
Harry's Claims About Camilla in Spare
Harry made a series of scathing remarks about Camilla in his 2023 memoir Spare, most notably referring to her as his 'wicked stepmother'. He also described her as 'dangerous' and a 'villain'.
In the memoir, Harry wrote: "I have complex feelings about gaining a step-parent who I thought had recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar. In a funny way I even wanted Camilla to be happy. Maybe she'd be less dangerous if she was happy?" He also wrote that he and Prince William pleaded with their father not to marry 'the other woman'.
"Willy and I agreed that Pa deserved better. Apologies to Teddy [the King's childhood teddy bear], Pa deserved a proper companion. That was why, when asked, Willy and I promised Pa that we'd welcome Camilla into the family," Harry wrote. "The only thing we asked in return was that he not marry her."
'Brainwashing' Claims and Camilla's Hurt
In Tom Bower's biography Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, released in March, Bower alleged Camilla had confided in a friend that she felt Harry had been 'brainwashed' by Meghan. The Queen reportedly made the comment after the Sussexes began battling with the rest of the family. Bower wrote: "'Meghan's brainwashed Harry,' Camilla told a friend." The Sussexes' spokesperson later issued a statement denying all claims, telling People Magazine: "Mr. Bower's commentary has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation."
Camilla felt very 'hurt' by Harry's claims in Spare, according to the Marchioness of Lansdowne, godmother to Camilla's daughter Laura Lopes. She told the Sunday Times: "It was not stamping of feet or gnashing of teeth – it was much more of an eye-roll response. But of course it bothers her, of course it hurts, but she doesn't let it get to her. Her philosophy is always, 'Don't make a thing of it and it will settle down – least said, soonest mended'."
Highgrove Reunion and Camilla's Role
Harry recently reunited with his stepmother at Highgrove, when the Sussexes and their children travelled to the King's Gloucestershire residence for a private meeting with Charles and Camilla. No photos or details were issued, but it is believed to be the first time Harry had seen the Queen since the Coronation in early 2023. Royal biographer Robert Jobson described Camilla's presence as "very significant," telling the Sun's Royal Exclusive podcast: "The one thing that I think is very significant in all of this, given that Harry was not overly critical of the King, but he was very critical of Queen Camilla, was that she was there to support the King because she was also there to witness what was said."
Camilla has spoken openly about her love of being a grandmother, saying in a BBC interview in 2022 that it is "the best thing in the world!" She has five grandchildren and five step-grandchildren, including Archie and Lilibet. Sara Parker-Bowles, mother to Lola and Freddy, said: "She's an amazing granny. She's really hands-on, and she's really into it. She wants to know everything that they're into."
Camilla 'Key' to Reconciliation
Royal sources have told the Mirror that Camilla has been a major key in the Sussexes' reconciliation with King Charles. Insiders say she has helped Charles soften his stance towards the Duke and Duchess for the sake of a relationship with his grandchildren. Sources also revealed Camilla urged the King not to shut Harry out following his cancer diagnosis in 2024, aiding the reconciliation between the fractured Royal Family.
