Catherine Mayer’s new book, “Divide & Rule,” discusses Queen Camilla’s undeniable role in King Charles’ life. According to Mayer, Camilla was always a ‘non-negotiable’ presence for Charles. She notes that after his divorce and Princess Diana’s death, Charles focused on rehabilitating Camilla’s public image.
The author explains that Charles saw Camilla as the one person who could truly support him. Their relationship, she argues, is one of the most unlikely love stories in modern royal history. Many believed in the fairy-tale marriage between Charles and Diana, only to be disillusioned when it fell apart. Camilla was often depicted as the other woman.
I think the relationship between Diana and Charles could never have worked,Mayer said. She acknowledges Diana’s mistreatment but highlights Camilla’s unique bond with Charles.
Charles met Camilla in 1970 through a mutual friend. Despite his feelings, Camilla was initially seen as unsuitable for marriage to a future king due to her past relationships and lack of aristocratic background.
Mayer shares that palace expectations hindered their early romance. Camilla was noted for her lively social presence and relationships, including her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles. When Charles joined the Royal Navy, the pair separated, leading Camilla to marry Andrew in 1973, and Charles to later marry Diana in 1981.
Charles and Camilla reignited their relationship in the late 1970s, with some claims suggesting they resumed their connection even while married to others. Their relationship was considered controversial, and Diana was quoted in Andrew Morton’s book addressing her awareness and feelings about the affair.
The pair eventually separated from their respective spouses, and Charles married Camilla in 2005. She became Queen Camilla in 2023. Throughout the years, Camilla proved to be a crucial support to Charles, standing by him as he ascended to the throne.
Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner emphasizes that Camilla has been essential to Charles, noting her role as his confidante and companion. British broadcaster Helena Chard notes that Charles chose love over protocol, with Camilla becoming an asset over time.
The narrative paints Camilla as an integral figure, with Mayer and others agreeing that her position was always significant in Charles’ life and future role as king.