Queen Camilla’s ‘campaign’ for the throne disputed by son who claims she had no ‘end game’ to become Queen

Prince Harry's memoir allegations about Queen Camilla's 'campaign' for the throne contrast hugely with her son's recent comments

Allegations about Queen Camilla's "campaign" have been disputed. Seen here she attends the traditional Easter Sunday service
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Queen Camilla’s alleged “campaign” for the throne has been disputed by her son who claims she had no “end game” whatsoever to become Queen. 


This year has been one of immense ups and downs for the Royal Family as they continue to prepare for the excitement of King Charles’ coronation and faced the aftermath of the shocking revelations made in Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, earlier in the year. Whilst many of the allegations in the memoir focused on his brother Prince William, his stepmother Queen Camilla was also mentioned. Now Prince Harry’s claims about Queen Camilla’s “campaign” for the throne have been vehemently disputed by one of Queen Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles. 

The restaurant critic and food writer opened up on the News Agents podcast about his mother’s relationship with King Charles. And according to him, there was never any “end game” to become Queen Consort

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Tom Parker Bowles attend the launch of the "Fortnum & Mason Christmas & Other Winter Feasts" cookbook

(Image credit: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)

As per the BBC, Tom told hosts Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis that Queen Camilla simply followed her heart when it came to marrying King Charles back in 2005. 

“I think change happens but I don't care what anyone says - this wasn't any sort of end game,” he declared. “She married the person she loved and this is what happened.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding took place in April 2005 and the couple have just celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. Tom’s remarks come months after Prince Harry called Queen Camilla “dangerous” and “the villain” in interviews prior to Spare’s release where he discussed her apparent need to “rehabilitate her image” in the past. The King’s son also denied that his remarks about her in the memoir were “scathing”

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

However, the memoir itself also included references to Queen Camilla that contrast hugely with Tom Parker Bowles’ recent comments. Prince Harry alleged that he and Prince William had pleaded with His Majesty not to marry her, adding that he supposedly “didn’t answer”.

The memoir continued, "But she answered. Straight away. Shortly after our private summits with her, she began to play the long game. A campaign aimed at marriage, and eventually the crown, with Pa's blessing we presumed."

Since Spare’s release none of the Royal Family members have directly addressed its claims. The upcoming coronation will see both King Charles and Queen Camilla crowned, with three of her grandchildren set to be Pages of Honor. Until last year it was understood that when her husband became King, Queen Camilla would be known as Princess Consort.

King Charles and Queen Camilla in New Zealand

(Image credit: Photo by Rob Jefferies/Getty Images)

This has previously been announced but in February 2022 the late Queen Elizabeth declared it was her “sincere wish” that her daughter-in-law would be a Queen Consort instead. Asked whether Queen Camilla was nervous about the coronation, Tom Parker Bowles explained on the podcast that it was “tough” to take on this role but that she’s “never complained”.

"I think anyone would be anxious on an occasion of this sort of importance in terms of the historical. And yes, I think I'd be terrified if I had to sort of walk out wearing ancient robes..." he shared.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!