Many were surprised to see Camilla Parker Bowles at the 65th State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, where Queen Elizabeth II delivered her annual Queen's Speech. Although the Duchess of Cornwall has been with Prince Charles' side at several State Openings, it was the first time that she seated on her own. Does the way Charles cling on his spouse put her role in the monarchy in danger and risk damaging the Royal Family and his role as the future King?
In Penny Junor's 2005 book, The Firm, via Express, the royal biographer claimed Prince Charles' way of attaching himself to Camilla might ruin the image of monarchy. It might also have a "lasting damage" to his role as the next King.
"His determination to cling on to Camilla Parker Bowles at all costs has damaged him and inevitably, therefore, damaged the monarchy," Junor said. She also added although Queen Elizabeth might be a "tough act" to follow, it couldn't be denied Prince Charles has great strengths. He also has a big fan base, although he has more detractors.
In the way Prince Charles presents Camilla as his "recognized and legitimate partner," Junor asserted it left the nation and the monarchy in a "constitutionally tricky position." It is especially when the first in line on the throne didn't marry her for nine years after his divorce from Princess Diana in 1996.
There are also debates if Camilla should be called the Queen when the time comes that Prince Charles seats on the throne. Junor said the public didn't want her to be a monarch, and she wouldn't be. Instead, she would be the Princess Consort and would have a role like what Prince Philip has.
Prince Charles has been accompanying Queen Elizabeth for the State Opening of Parliament since Prince Philip retired from public duties in 2017. He is now his mother's Consort.
Last year, Prince Charles used to be the only one accompanying Her Majesty. Hence, many were surprised to see Camilla at the event. The only royal who used to flank the Queen and Prince Philip on the Prince of Wales' side was Princess Anne. This was before her brother got married.
Despite that, Camilla's presence, seating on her own, on a prestigious national event marked the end of the time when Prince Charles was having a hard time gaining Queen Elizabeth's acceptance for his wife. It has been known that after Princess Diana's death, acknowledging Camilla's role as Charles' partner was "particularly difficult."
