Staff at Clarence House have revealed their affectionate three-word nickname for Queen Camilla, offering an insight into her warm relationship with the royal household and her dedication to royal duties. The Queen is known by some aides as "the lady boss", according to author Hilary Rose, who wrote The Secret Diary of Queen Camilla.
Rose, writing in the Daily Mail, described how Camilla has "stepped up her duties with cheerful good humour and the energy of someone considerably younger". A friend of the Queen said she has succeeded "just by being herself", adding that Camilla was not someone who could be pushed about, but nor was she liable to have a hissy fit.
Rise to Queen Consort
Camilla became Queen when her husband, King Charles III, ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. She was crowned alongside Charles at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, after the late monarch had declared her "sincerest wish" that her daughter-in-law should be known as Queen Consort.
According to Rose, the relationship between Camilla and the late Queen eventually improved, with the pair finding common ground through their shared affection for horses and dogs. This came despite reports that the late Queen once referred to Camilla as "that wicked woman".
Increased Responsibilities
Since taking on her royal role, Camilla has faced mounting responsibilities. Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in February 2024, while the Princess of Wales revealed the following month that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Prince William subsequently spent more time supporting his wife and their three children, while Camilla continued to carry out public engagements.
The Queen has also taken on additional duties following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as working royals in January 2020, as well as Princess Anne's hospitalisation in June 2024 after a horse-riding accident.
Praise and Upcoming Events
The Marchioness of Lansdowne praised Camilla's character shortly before the coronation, telling The Sunday Times: "She is resilient, and she was brought up with this extraordinary sense of duty. It has stood her in very good stead." Author Tina Brown offered a similar assessment in her book The Palace Papers, suggesting that if Camilla had a family motto, it would be "thou shalt not whine".
Camilla is set to join Charles and the Prince of Wales in the Welsh village of Aberfan on October 21 to mark the 60th anniversary of the devastating disaster. She will also appear on The Book That Changed My Life on BBC Two at 9pm tonight, sharing stories of books that shaped her life alongside four other guests.
