Princess Anne has always been forthright with her opinions, and her skepticism regarding Queen Camilla, as detailed in Angela Levin's book Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, highlights long-standing tensions within the British royal family.
As King Charles III's only sister, Anne has observed the shifting dynamics of the monarchy with a discerning eye, particularly concerning Camilla's rise from a tumultuous past to the role of Queen Consort. Despite public acceptance of Camilla, lingering doubts continue to overshadow this otherwise celebratory chapter of the monarchy.
From the outset, Princess Anne reportedly found Camilla's demeanor to be distant and difficult, a sentiment that only intensified over time. The two women, both strong-willed and of the same generation, never seemed to find common ground. Known for her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering commitment to duty, Anne viewed Camilla's claim to the title of Queen Consort as less than legitimate. This perspective has sown seeds of discord between them. Anne’s predictions about Camilla’s future role were far from flattering; she questioned whether Camilla would ever be genuinely accepted by the public or the Royal household.
Anne’s disapproval was not confined to private circles; she openly opposed Camilla’s accession to the title of Queen Consort. This opposition was rooted in more than just personal dislike; it reflected a deep-seated belief that Camilla was ill-suited for the role. Nevertheless, on May 6th, Camilla was crowned alongside King Charles at Westminster Abbey—a historic moment that Anne likely viewed with a mixture of resignation and discomfort. The icy demeanor that Anne has exhibited towards Camilla, as noted by those close to the family, became a hallmark of their strained relationship, underscoring Anne’s reluctance to warm to her brother’s wife.
The tension between Anne and Camilla is not a new chapter in royal history but rather a reflection of the monarchy’s ongoing struggle to balance tradition with modern expectations. For Anne, who has always championed traditional values with fierce loyalty, Camilla’s ascent to Queen Consort may seem like a departure from what she believes the monarchy should represent. The difficulty in their relationship goes beyond mere personality clashes and touches upon the symbolic roles each plays within the Royal framework.
Despite these underlying tensions, King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to publicly celebrate Princess Anne's 74th birthday, a gesture that will be closely scrutinized for signs of genuine goodwill or insincerity. Such public displays of unity, while necessary, often mask the true state of affairs behind palace walls, where old wounds and grudges may linger long after the cameras have stopped rolling.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the hypothetical scenario often discussed in royal circles: What if Anne had married Camilla's former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles? The Church of England's stance on divorce and remarriage, particularly concerning the royal family, made such a union impossible. However, this speculation adds a further dimension to the already fraught relationship between Anne and Camilla, suggesting that their rivalry may have been more about their roles within the royal family than about the men they were associated with.
As Princess Anne continues her royal duties and maintains her reputation as one of the hardest-working members of the family, her views on Camilla are likely to remain unchanged despite Camilla’s official title. Anne’s reservations hint at an ongoing struggle over the monarchy’s future direction—a struggle between tradition and adaptation, between duty and personal loyalty. Whether Princess Anne will ever fully accept Camilla as Queen or if this cold war will continue to cast a shadow over their relationship—and, by extension, the Royal Family’s public image—remains to be seen. Only time will tell if these two formidable women can find peace in their respective roles or if Anne’s early predictions about Camilla will persist as a silent but powerful commentary on the evolving nature of the British monarchy.
