The relationship between Prince William and Queen Camilla has been a complex and evolving one, characterized by a blend of acceptance and underlying tension. Despite efforts to bridge the gap, the bond between the Prince of Wales and his stepmother remains fraught with unresolved issues that trace back to the tumultuous history involving his late mother, Princess Diana.
According to sources, Prince William has "warmed up to Camilla over time," developing what can now be described as a "familial relationship." However, this relationship is not without its challenges, as reported by US Weekly. An insider revealed, "There's a lot to overcome. William and Harry had always distrusted Camilla and felt resentment toward her because of their devotion to their mother. They never felt comfortable opening up to her in any real way."
Princess Diana famously referred to Camilla as the third person in her marriage to Charles, a statement that cemented Camilla's image as the "Other Woman" in the eyes of the public and, more critically, in the minds of William and Harry. The brothers' distrust of Camilla deepened when they reportedly discovered that she had been leaking stories to the press to improve her public image. This revelation added another layer of complexity to an already strained relationship.
In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry detailed the pain and confusion he and his brother felt over their father's relationship with Camilla. He wrote about their attempts to dissuade Charles from marrying her, revealing that William "had been suspicious of the other woman for a long time, which confused and tormented him." Despite these feelings, Charles went ahead with the marriage, further complicating the family dynamics.
Over time, William's perspective on Camilla began to shift, especially following the health challenges faced by both his father and his wife, Kate Middleton. "It brought them closer. William and Kate don't want any extra drama or tension in the family - they have enough of that with Meghan [Markle] and Harry," the insider shared. Kate played a significant role in easing the tension, helping William to see Camilla in a more positive light.
"It was really Kate who warmed William to Camilla," a family friend of the Parker Bowles revealed. Kate's acceptance of Camilla, long before others in the royal family followed suit, was instrumental in smoothing over the rough edges of their relationship. "She's never been dismissive of Camilla and always treated her with kindness," the source added.
William and Kate have come to appreciate Camilla's down-to-earth nature, which they feel helps balance out Charles' more reserved demeanor. "They both like the fact that Camilla's normal and makes Charles less stuffy," said the family friend. "Kate likes her because she brings a real-life relatability into the family. She's not all about the courtiers waiting on hand and foot. Camilla's real like Kate is."
Despite the improvements in their relationship, tensions remain. Some sources suggest that William still harbors reservations about Camilla, with one claiming that he "tolerates her" rather than fully embraces her as a family member. This sentiment is reportedly mutual, with Camilla allegedly feeling uneasy around William.
However, the one thing that unites them is their shared concern for Charles' well-being. As Charles battles his illness, Camilla has been a steadfast presence by his side, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by William. "Charles' illness has put Camilla's devotion and dedication to her husband more in focus," said royal commentator Christopher Andersen. "And I'm sure William appreciates that."
