In a surprising turn of events, Princess Anne has stirred the waters within the British royal family by making pointed remarks about her sister-in-law, Camilla.
During a recent public engagement, the Princess Royal seemingly deflected an attempt by the Queen to soften royal protocol, showcasing her no-nonsense attitude that has long earned her public admiration.
At 74, Princess Anne stands as a pillar of respect within the monarchy, often referred to as the Queen that Britain never had.
Her commitment is evident in her relentless schedule, which consistently ranks her among the highest in public engagements each year.
While she’s known for her unwavering support of her brother, King Charles, her relationship with Camilla has been anything but smooth sailing over the years.
As Princess Anne marks another year of life, it’s likely that her brother will express his warm wishes.
Despite her loyalty to Charles since he took the throne, whispers suggest that the dynamic between her and Camilla has faced its fair share of turbulence.
According to royal expert Levin, Camilla initially perceived Anne’s demeanor as rather frosty, making their interactions a bit tricky.
Reflecting on her sister-in-law, Anne acknowledged their long acquaintance, saying, “I’ve known her a long time, off and on.” She commended Camilla’s understanding of her role and how effectively she supports the King, stating that while it may not have been a natural fit for her, she executes it admirably, providing a refreshing change in pace.
However, recent reports indicate that Anne is far from pleased with Charles’ decision to elevate Camilla to the title of Queen without the traditional prefix of “Consort.”
This title distinction is significant; in many monarchies, the wives of kings are typically referred to as queens.
Yet, due to the controversial history surrounding Camilla’s relationship with Charles, her situation stands apart.
Adding fuel to the fire, Prince Harry has publicly alleged that Camilla leaked stories to the press about him and other family members.
He even expressed his pleas to Charles not to marry her, fearing she would become a wicked stepmother figure.
Tensions escalated during a celebratory dinner for the coronation when Camilla proudly announced her new title, which reportedly left Anne feeling quite upset.
Insiders have revealed that Anne once predicted Camilla would never be seen as a true queen.
Known for her composed demeanor, Anne’s displeasure regarding her brother’s choice to disregard their late mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s wishes, has been confirmed by various sources.
Last winter, she reluctantly accepted the title of Queen Consort for Camilla, a decision that only added to the controversy surrounding Camilla’s position.
Despite the underlying tensions, it seems that Princess Anne and Queen Camilla have managed to cultivate a working relationship over time.
Anne has even acknowledged Camilla’s modern approach, linking it to King Charles’ progressive vision for the monarchy.
The two royals recently made an appearance together at Senate House, where they were warmly received by University of London officials.
During the ceremony, both donned ceremonial robes, honoring royal tradition.
Anne took the spotlight, fulfilling the Chancellor’s duties, and praised Camilla’s dedication to her responsibilities, reiterating that while the role may not have suited her naturally, she has adapted remarkably well.
As the royal family navigates these complex dynamics, questions linger about how they will respond to the ongoing media scrutiny and the recent documentary releases.
While it’s unclear if they will engage with Harry’s book, “Spare,” the family tradition of playing charades on Christmas Day adds a light-hearted touch to their gatherings amidst the drama.
The comments made by Harry about Camilla and Catherine have struck a particularly painful chord within the family.
It raises the question: can familial bonds withstand such public criticisms?
After all, while disagreements may arise between brothers and fathers, targeting sisters-in-law and stepmothers—especially when they are unable to defend themselves—seems to cross a line that leaves lasting scars.