Princess Anne reveals how she feels about Queen Camilla taking over from her late mother for the first time
Both the Queen and the King’s sisters have shared unfiltered thoughts about the marriage of Charles and Camilla
It’s rare for the discrete and dependable Princess Royal to ever really speak out about private matters, preferring to focus on her duties and rise above the fray. So to hear her voice her opinions on how her sister-in-law, Queen Camilla, is doing as monarch was truly eye-opening.
Princess Anne appeared on a new 90-minute documentary focusing on the first year of King Charles’s reign, offering never-before-seen footage of the Royal Family preparing for the monumental Coronation in May of this year, and getting to hear their more unguarded opinions.
And the Princess Royal – who has previously criticised her brother’s vision for a slimmed down monarchy – spoke candidly about topics including how she feels Camilla is doing taking over the role her late mother held for a history-making 70 years.
Of Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal accepted that it wasn’t something that would come “natural” to her, but she’s still impressed.
“I've known her a long time off and on. Her understanding of the role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding. This role is not something that she'd be a natural for but she does it really well."
"She provides that change of speed and tone, that's equally important.”
The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne by Helen Cathcart | £11.99 at Amazon
This insightful biography focuses on the role of Princess Royal throughout history, including Princess Anne who currently holds this prestigious title. It explores Princess Anne's life, drawing on journals, royal letters and associated material, and how the six Princess Royals before her helped to shape this position.
She wasn’t the only one within the King and Queen’s inner circle to share some new insight.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, who acted as one of her sister's two Ladies in Attendance on the day of the Coronation, revealed how she feels Charles and Camilla are total opposites, but it works for them.
She said on the documentary, “She is his rock, and I can't actually emphasise that enough. She's somebody who is completely loyal and she isn't somebody who has huge highs and lows.”
But she emphasised that it wasn't a one-sided relationship, explaining, “He brings to her everything. I'm not talking about all of this [she said, referring to Buckingham Palace], but... he has such a knowledge and interest in so many different things, which she wouldn't really have been open to if she hadn't met him.”
“They are yin and yang, really. They really are polar opposites. But I think it works brilliantly.”
And what she sees in the pair’s future? Well, Queen Camilla’s sister doesn’t think the two will hand over the reins anytime soon. With a wave of her hand upwards indicating their busying work rate, she said “Most of us as we get to this sort of age are thinking yes, quiet times. But theirs is just going to go like that.”
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
Camilla's long-term friend Fiona Lansdowne, one of her new Lady Companions – a modern-day Lady in Waiting – and her other Lady in Attendance at the Coronation, also shared her opinions, and addressed the elephant in the room.
Touching on the fact that their road to wedded bliss has been mired in controversy, she revealed, 'They are an extraordinary team.”
“And I think it's, whether they've sort of had to fight to get there, or whether it's just because they've been through a lot together – it's made them have a really strong bond.”
The women were interviewed for Charles III: The Coronation Year, a documentary now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.
Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.
-
The best climbing plants for adding depth, colour, and interest to your garden
From joyful bougainvillea to the heady scent of jasmine, these climbing plants will elevate your outdoor space instantly
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
-
32 fascinating facts about Buckingham Palace that you may not know
It's one of the most famous properties in the world, and there's plenty of surprising facts about Buckingham Palace
By Jack Slater Published
-
This Longchamp tote lookalike that's just like Kate Middleton and Princess Anne's favourite is a bargain buy that'll serve you all year round
The Princess of Wales and Princess Anne are huge fans of the classic Longchamp Le Pliage and this timeless alternative is so affordable
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne’s flower power dress and voluminous up-do combination proves you should never be afraid of going bold
Princess Anne went all-out for a special evening event in 1973 with a vibrant floral gown and a glamorous updo
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What happened to Jim Beaton and was Princess Anne really almost kidnapped? Former protection officer speaks out 50 years on
You might be wondering what happened to Jim Beaton as Princess Anne's former protection officer reflects upon a terrifying royal incident
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Anne putting royal duties first following King's cancer diagnosis as she misses special occasion
Princess Anne has showcased her commitment to her duties as she missed out on a special personal occasion to undertake a royal tour
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Forget Princess Anne's Longchamp, it's her timeless brown leather satchel we're shopping right now
Princess Anne's leather satchel might be our new favourite bag of hers as she proved pared-back design and neutral colours are the way to go
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Does Princess Anne have security? The huge privilege she's denied as Princess Royal - but William and Kate have
Princess Anne is denied a security privilege that the Prince and Princess of Wales have - despite being such a prominent senior royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
32 times Princess Anne was everyone's hero - from making history to hilarious, no-nonsense quotes
The Princess Royal is one of the hardest working (and most popular) members of the Royal Family - and these moments prove why
By Jack Slater Published
-
Princess Anne gives stern instruction before iconic royal duty and her no-nonsense approach is so her
Princess Anne's dry sense of humour shone through as she delivered stern instructions about preventing 'vandalism' at a special engagement
By Emma Shacklock Published