Queen Camilla has more in common with the late Queen Mother than many royal watchers realise, according to royal author Christopher Wilson, who claims both women share a hidden “ruthless streak” when it comes to protecting the monarchy.
The 78-year-old Queen Consort, who has spent years rebuilding her public image after once being one of the most divisive figures in the Royal Family, is now arguably regarded as King Charles III’s most steadfast ally.
However, Wilson believes Camilla’s greatest strength lies not in her public warmth, but in a steely determination that closely resembles that of the late Queen Mother.
“Monarchy is about survival, and Camilla understands that,” Wilson told The Mail UK.
The royal author argued that Camilla has closely studied the history of the House of Windsor, particularly the role played by the late Queen Mother during one of the monarchy’s darkest periods following the abdication of King Edward VIII.
“King George needed her iron-clad courage, just as King Charles needs Camilla’s today.”
Wilson, author of A Greater Love-Charles and Camilla, said Camilla shares many of the same strengths as the late Queen Mother, particularly when it comes to supporting her husband while protecting the institution.
He said both women possess a natural ability to put people at ease, but suggested there is also a far tougher side that remains largely hidden from public view.
“But – again like the Queen Mum – there’s a ruthless streak to Camilla which she takes care to keep hidden from view.”
According to Wilson, that determination becomes most apparent when family tensions arise, particularly surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the wider York family.
The author claimed former palace insiders viewed the 77-year-old monarch as naturally compassionate and inclined to forgive those who had caused difficulties.
One ex-courtier told him: “If Charles has a weakness, it’s that he’s too kind and too forgiving when things go wrong – just as his mother was”.
The former aide suggested Camilla often provides a firmer perspective when difficult decisions need to be made, adding: “He’s lucky to have Camilla there to stiffen his backbone when needed.”
Wilson claimed Camilla has joined forces with the Prince and Princess of Wales in taking a tougher stance towards Andrew, who remains under police investigation following the release of the Epstein files.
While Prince William is reportedly “leading the charge” against the House of York, Wilson suggested Camilla is firmly behind efforts to reduce Andrew’s influence within royal circles and could support moves affecting Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The York sisters were named in the Epstein files, although mention alone does not indicate any wrongdoing.
Wilson also pointed to several examples he believes demonstrate a cool relationship between Camilla and the Yorks, including her absence from both Princess Beatrice’s and Princess Eugenie’s weddings.
He further noted that when Princess Eugenie recently announced she was expecting her third child, Camilla was not included in Buckingham Palace’s official message of congratulations.
Despite reportedly being friends with Fergie’s mother, Susan Barrantes, Wilson suggested Camilla’s longstanding advocacy for victims of sexual abuse may have shaped her view of the York family’s recent controversies.
Drawing another comparison with the Queen Mother, the author noted how she was determined to keep her brother-in-law, the Duke of Windsor, at arm’s length after the abdication crisis and argued Camilla may favour a similarly firm approach when it comes to Andrew.
Wilson pointed to Camilla’s reputation for standing her ground during difficult periods of her life as evidence she is unlikely to back down when it comes to protecting the monarchy.
“She once famously wielded her hefty hunting whip over the heads of photographers who came too close during her problem days before her marriage to Charles.
“With Andrew, Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie in her sights, looks like she’ll be cracking it again.”