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Tension Behind Palace Doors: The Complex Relationship Between Princess Anne and Queen Camila
While the British public see the royal family presenting a united front in public, it seems there may be some underlying tensions behind palace doors. In particular, the relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camila appears to be quite complex.
According to long-time friend and former dressmaker to Princess Diana, David Emanuel, Princess Anne confronted Camila over her title at a coronation dinner following King Charles' accession to the throne. Emanuel claims that Anne told Camila bluntly that her title should be "King's Companion" rather than Queen.
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This comes amid reports that not everyone within the royal family is entirely comfortable with Camila taking the title of Queen Consort. As Emanuel noted, many feel she should be termed Queen Consort to distinguish that she is a royal by marriage rather than birth, like a traditional Queen Regnant would be.
Anne has always had a reputation for being outspoken and not mincing her words. As the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, she undoubtedly feels a strong sense of duty and takes her royal roles very seriously. She reportedly believes Camila must earn the respect and acceptance of the British public in her position, rather than have honourary titles bestowed upon her.
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While tensions appeared to come to a head at the coronation dinner, the relationship between Anne and Camila predates this. Anne was married to Camila's former husband, Captain Mark Phillips, for nearly 20 years before their divorce in 1992. It was then only a couple years later in 1994 that Camila began her long-running affair with the now King Charles, while he was still married to Princess Diana.
It's reasonable to assume Anne would have felt protective of Diana during this time and resentful of Camila's role in destroying Charles' first marriage. As a senior ranking royal with immense dedication to her duties, Anne also reportedly sets very high standards that others are expected to live up to. It's likely she does not feel Camila has truly earned the prestigious title of Queen through her actions over the decades.
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This tension was also reportedly on display at King Charles' coronation ceremony earlier this year. While Camila rode alongside Charles in the gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace as the new Queen Consort, it was Princess Anne who took on the prestigious role of Gold Stick in Waiting in the coronation procession.
This powerful position, which involves overseeing the monarch's security, is a sign of the utmost trust and responsibility within the royal household. Anne's selection for this role indicates her close confidence with King Charles, in contrast to Camila who has had to work to gain full acceptance into The Firm.
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Adding further fuel to the fire, one of Camila's guests at the coronation ceremony was her ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she has reportedly maintained a close friendship despite their 1995 divorce. Parker Bowles notably also had a brief affair with Princess Anne years earlier, which likely did not improve her view of Camila's character.
While family discord is unfortunately common, the tensions come at a difficult time for the monarchy. King Charles is facing a staffing crisis within the royal households, while public support for the institution has declined since the Queen's passing. The last thing the fragile royal brand needs is high-profile divisions appearing between senior members.
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However, despite their differences Princess Anne has always kept her duty to the Crown as the priority. She participated fully in the extensive coronation proceedings as a sign of her commitment. And while she may set exacting standards, Anne recognizes not all individuals or relationships can be measured in the same way.
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Going forward, the sensitive situation calls for discretion, understanding and making allowances for differing personalities within the family dynamic. With patience and compromise over time, it's hoped the complex relationship between these strong-willed royal women can evolve into a workable understanding, for the benefit of the monarchy's stability during this time of change.
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