God. I was so wrong about them. Like, embarrassingly wrong.
Back in the 90s, whenever anyone asked me if Charles would ever marry Camilla, I'd laugh and say, "What's in it for her?" I mean, after Diana's Panorama bombshell where she called Camilla "the third person" in her marriage, people HATED Camilla. The woman couldn't walk down the street without getting dirty looks. After Diana died in '97, that hatred went global. I genuinely believed there was zero chance she'd ever become queen.
Shows what I know.
Audio Summary of the Article
The Transformation Nobody Saw Coming
I've been pointing cameras at Charles for almost 50 years now. That's not a typo - FIFTY. And I can tell you something that might surprise you: he's become a much nicer person. Not just a bit nicer. Dramatically nicer.
It's Camilla.
She's completely changed him. Before they married, Charles was... how do I put this delicately... kind of a pill. He'd get wound up about the smallest things. Windows closed? Meltdown. Room too stuffy? Tantrum. The man was a bundle of pent-up frustration.
Then he married Camilla in April 2005, and it was like someone flipped a switch. All that anger just... vanished.
That Time in Philly When I Walked into a Royal Row
Let me tell you about their first overseas tour together. I was in Philadelphia, sent to take some photos of the royal couple. When I arrived at their room, it was immediately obvious Camilla hadn't been told about the photoshoot. Awkward.
There were raised voices. She was NOT happy. Her hair wasn't done, she needed to change clothes, and Charles was getting an earful about proper communication.
Then she spotted me hovering awkwardly in teh doorway.
"Arthur, tell us a joke," she said.
Just like that, the argument was over. They both burst out laughing. Can you imagine Diana doing that? I can't.
Why Their Marriage Actually Works
They've both survived unhappy marriages. They're determined not to repeat those mistakes. But there's something else...
Unlike Diana, Camilla never outshines Charles. Never. When they're at engagements, she always stands slightly behind him. She meets all the VIPs, but only after he's introduced her.
Funny thing is, he often ends up waiting for her because she chats with everyone. She's got this natural way with people that you can't fake.
I remember in 2005, we were in California at some market. Someone handed her a peach, and she just bit right into it. Diana would NEVER have done that - too messy, too unplanned. But Camilla? She wanted to show appreciation. It was completely natural.
The Pen Incident (Not the Leaky One)
On that same trip, they were signing a visitor book. Charles lent Camilla his fancy pen, and when he tried to get it back, she playfully refused. They had this little game going, her teasing him, him pretending to be annoyed.
I spent years photographing Charles and Diana. Never saw anything like that between them.
The Truth About "Non-Negotiable" Camilla
It's been over 40 years since I photographed Diana being chaperoned by Camilla at Ludlow races. At the time, I didn't think anything of it. But about 10 years later, I was leaving Parliament after the State Opening and ran into one of the royal staff. We got talking about rumors that Charles and Diana's marriage was struggling.
"It's always been Camilla," he told me.
I was shocked. But apparently, to Charles, Camilla was "non-negotiable." After two decades of keeping their relationship semi-secret, he finally got to marry his true love.
And when they walked down those steps at St. George's Chapel after their blessing... she looked radiant. Happy in a way that can't be faked for cameras. I think a lot of people changed their minds about her that day.
A Personal Note That Made Me Tear Up
Six years after their wedding, I was a castaway on Desert Island Discs. Three days after it aired, I received a handwritten letter from Camilla, who was up at Balmoral.
"Dear Arthur, I can't stop crying listening to all the wonderful things you've said about my husband."
Who does that? Seriously.
When Cancer Struck
Since the King's cancer diagnosis last year, Camilla has been incredible. She's carried the monarchy on her slim shoulders, insisting certain engagements be moved forward when Charles wasn't well enough to attend.
I remember her telling me in Rye, East Sussex that the King would be fine "if only he did what he was told." I bet she gives him what-for behind closed doors when he doesn't follow doctor's orders!
The best decision Charles ever made was marrying her. I couldn't have been more wrong about them, adn I'm actually delighted about that. It's been one of the happiest royal marriages I've ever witnessed.
And I've seen a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does one become a member of royalty?
Membership in royalty is typically hereditary, passed down through bloodlines. In some cases, individuals may marry into royal families, gaining titles and privileges associated with their spouse's lineage.
What is the significance of royal titles?
Royal titles signify rank and status within the hierarchy of a royal family. They can also reflect the history and traditions of a nation, with titles such as king, queen, duke, and duchess carrying specific cultural meanings and responsibilities.
What is royalty?
Royalty refers to individuals who are members of a royal family, holding specific titles and privileges, often associated with governance and ceremonial roles within a state or nation. This includes kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
What are the financial aspects of royalty?
The financial aspects of royalty can include income from state funds, personal investments, and inherited wealth. Some royal families also own extensive properties and assets that contribute to their financial status.
What is the role of a royal palace?
A royal palace serves as the official residence and workplace for a royal family. It is often a symbol of national heritage and may host official events, ceremonies, and public engagements.
Statistics
- According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
- Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
- About 90% of monarchies today are constitutional, where the monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution.
- The global fascination with royal families is evident, as books, films, and documentaries about them frequently top bestseller lists and viewership ratings.
- In Spain, the monarchy was restored in 1975 after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in 2014.
- The royal family of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years.
- Royal weddings often attract massive global audiences, with the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 drawing an estimated 29 million viewers in the United States alone.
- Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.
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How To
How To Attend a Royal Wedding
Attending a royal wedding requires careful planning and adherence to protocols. Begin by monitoring official announcements regarding the event, as invitations are typically extended to a select group of guests. If you are not among the invited, you can still participate by watching the live broadcast or attending public celebrations in the vicinity of the venue. If you are invited, familiarize yourself with dress codes, which are often formal and may require specific attire. Ensure you arrive on time, as punctuality is essential during royal events. Respect the established decorum throughout the ceremony to honor the occasion.
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