Hip Hip Hooray!
Hip hip hooray: Queen Camilla is celebrating her birthday today! Reason enough for a party at the British court of course. The wife of King Charles is blowing out 77 candles today and even has a busy schedule on her birthday. And although she is now loved by many, her path to the throne was not always a bed of roses.
Path to the Throne
She started out as an aristocrat’s daughter who was sociable but totally unsuitable to become the future king’s companion. However great the love between the young Charles and Camilla Shand was: in the end the crown prince chose the younger but impeccable Diana under much pressure.
Of course, we now know that this fairy tale turned into a total nightmare. Camilla’s path to the throne has certainly not been easy. From great love of the crown prince, to the controversial ‘third party in the relationship’, to eventual girlfriend, fiancée and wife.
Her titles also reflect this rocky road: she never became a princess, but Cam had to make do with the title of Duchess of Cornwall. And a future title as queen consort? That would be completely out of the question. She could count herself lucky if, like Philip before her, she ever bore a princely consort title.
Elizabeth comes to the rescue
Over the years, Camilla has let the endless waves of criticism wash over her. If there was one person who lived the motto never complain, never explain, it was Cam. Still, that title remained a sore point.
Next to stepson William in 2010, and stepdaughter-in-law Kate in 2013 during Trooping the Colour. (Image: NL Beeld)
That is, until none other than the late Queen Elizabeth herself weighed in on the matter. In a message shared ahead of her anniversary, the Queen wrote, “It is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort while continuing her own loyal service.” Clear!
Schedule
Is there time for a party today? According to the former royal butler, yes. Camilla will be ‘terribly spoiled’ by Charles, he tells Express.
This morning Charles and Camilla were present at ‘the opening of parliament’. The king and queen left Buckingham Palace by carriage on their way to the Palace of Westminster. There the king, wearing the crown and his wife at his side, gave a speech:
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Hopefully there will be some ‘free time’ left for the birthday girl. The royal couple will reportedly celebrate Camilla’s birthday privately with a party at Clarence House later today. We also don’t have to worry about the Queen being left wanting. “King Charles loves to spoil her and he will make sure that Camilla gets all the attention today. He likes to remind her that she is Queen and that this is her due for her services to him over the years. This is his reward for her.”
Happy birthday, Camilla!
Source: Instagram @theroyalfamily, Glamial archive, Nouveau | Image: NL Beeld
