Queen Consort Camilla was reportedly upset by the negative portrayal of her character in Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare." The Duke of Sussex referred to his stepmother as a "villain" and a "dangerous" individual due to her connections with the British press, accusing her of leaking stories to tabloids to improve her image.
According to the Marchioness of Lansdowne, a close friend of Camilla and recently appointed "Queen's Companion," the Duchess of Cornwall was hurt by these accusations. In an interview with The Times on Sunday, Lansdowne said, "Of course, it bothers her, of course, it hurts. But she doesn't let it get to her. Her philosophy is always, 'Don't make a thing of it and it will settle down-least said, soonest mended.'"
An unnamed aide cited by the publication described Camilla's reaction to Harry's claims as more of an "eye-roll response" rather than any outward display of anger. The Times also quoted a former courtier who praised Camilla for her smart approach in cultivating friendly relationships with the press. The courtier said she had managed to win over her critics "not with sly tricks, just by taking an interest in their lives and being at ease with them in a way other members of the family aren't."
Since the release of "Spare" on January 10, 2023, no members of the royal family have publicly commented on its contents, adhering to the "never complain, never explain" rule and focusing on their public duties.
In his memoir, Prince Harry detailed his initial opposition to his father's marriage to Camilla but later accepted her as his stepmother, recognizing her role in making his father happy. However, he also accused her of exploiting him for her personal PR purposes, describing her as "dangerous" due to her relationships with the British press.
During an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes," Prince Harry stated that the press was "openly willing" to trade information with his stepmother, leading to a culture of hierarchy and sacrifices within the royal family. He added that he was "one of those bodies" left behind over the years.
In a separate interview with ITV's Tom Bradby, Harry denied that his memoir was scathing towards any family members but admitted that some events had been incredibly hurtful. He also told "Good Morning America" that forgiveness and reconciliation require conversations and accountability.
Despite these tensions, Prince Harry is set to attend the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6. However, his wife, Meghan Markle, will remain in California with their children.
