Camilla stayed hidden at home, too scared to go shopping after her affair with Charles was revealed, expert says
An expert shares how Camilla faced fear and isolation, staying indoors after the news of her relationship with Prince Charles became public.
Camilla Parker Bowles’ journey into the British Royal Family was anything but easy. Once a highly controversial figure, Camilla faced public backlash due to her affair with Prince Charles, particularly because of the public’s deep love for Princess Diana.
Over the years, however, Camilla’s reputation has changed, and today she stands as Queen Consort, with growing acceptance from the public. Her story is one of endurance and eventual acceptance within a royal family that initially shunned her.
Camilla’s relationship with King Charles began long before they married. They first met in 1972 and briefly dated before Charles left for naval duty. During his absence, Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles, though she and Charles maintained a close friendship. When Charles married Diana, Camilla was initially friendly with her, but the relationship grew tense as Diana realized the extent of the affair between her husband and Camilla.
The affair became public knowledge in the late 1980s, culminating in the infamous “Tampongate” scandal, which exposed an intimate conversation between Charles and Camilla. The public, already sympathetic to Diana, reacted with outrage.
Both Charles and Camilla faced intense scrutiny, and Camilla became a target of public disdain. During this period, Camilla avoided public life due to the backlash and even feared leaving her home.
In time, however, Charles and Camilla were able to rebuild their lives together. In 2005, the couple married, and Camilla slowly gained acceptance, both from the public and the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II, who had initially been resistant to their relationship, eventually supported Camilla, stating that it was her “sincere wish” for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort when Charles ascended the throne.
Despite her challenging past, Camilla has become a respected member of the royal family. While a small group still criticizes her, she now enjoys popularity as a supportive and strong partner to King Charles. Her transformation from a figure of scandal to a respected royal is a testament to the power of resilience and public rehabilitation.
