August Annotations

Charles & Camilla:
A Match Made in Heaven?

Camilla is in the picture to stay. Even though some still think of her as an ‘usurper’ to the late Princess of Wales, there are just as many now who believe her to be an asset to Charles and to the Monarchy in general. She is an asset mainly due to her positive affect on the Prince. Just because she is not a supermodel or is without sweet demure looks, it doesn’t mean she is unsuitable. And as far as being an asset to the Monarchy in general, I’m sure you would agree that a blissful Prince means a blissful and sucessful Monarch.

They have much in common, and are about the same age. She is aristocratic and loves the countryside as much as he does. Charles loves Camilla with all of his heart, and the joy and contentment shows when he is out in public with her. Who would want to deprive the Prince of some happiness? In the time following the death of Diana, the public (around 75% or so) did not want Camilla as the Prince of Wales’ girlfriend or especially as the future Queen. Now that more time has passed, however, the acceptance percentage for Mrs. Parker-Bowles has gone up quite a bit and people are saying that Charles should marry her AND become king. This is quite significant and a good sign for the relationship.

If Her Majesty allows them to marry if they so choose, then there really isn’t anything that can stand in their way. A green light from the Queen means that everything is satisfactory. It has been rumored that the Prince of Wales would not marry Camilla if the Queen Mother didn’t approve, but it seems that it is the Queen herself who has the final say in it all. One naturally assumes that Her Majesty has most likely consulted her mother in these matters, (who, it has been said, liked Camilla) and I think both women have come to the conclusion that the Prince and Camilla are probably going to be a positive match for each other. Elizabeth knows full well the controversy of her son’s relationship and probably disapproves of it in some aspects, but it is his life and she would not want to cause any friction. She sees him happy, and as I said, a content and strong King with a good partner is what the Royal Family and the country will need.

Most importantly, William seems to have accepted her into his father’s life. It is my understanding that it was he who invited Camilla along on a family vacation in the Mediterranean in 1999. Not only is it a future king giving his consent, but it is a son who has lost his mother, yet now wants his father to have companionship and love. A child embracing a parent’s significant other is indeed a big step for them all, and with a situation as healthy as this one seems to be so far, I think their futures look very bright indeed.

©2002 Mandy’s British Royalty”