Charles Will Create A Leaner Monarchy To Help It Flourish

IT would be astonishing if anyone now disagrees with the Queen’s decision that the Duchess of Cornwall – or simply Camilla, as everyone knows her – should be crowned Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King.

- Stephen Pollard

Since she married the Prince of Wales in 2005 she has not put a foot wrong. Indeed, we are now so used to her being beside her husband or on her own royal visits that it’s easy to forget what a difficult journey it has been for her, both publicly and behind the scenes.

Back in 2005, memories of Diana were still fresh and Camilla was still seen by the public as “the other woman”. It is a tribute to her strength of character and skill as a public figure that she is now so integral to the Royal Family and is so widely liked and respected.

She has carved out her own niche, following her own interests – such as literacy and reading – as well as those aspects that simply come with the job.

In many ways the public role she now plays is a sign of what the monarchy is likely to look like once Charles becomes king. No one could accuse Camilla, for instance, of not being value for money or using her position to freeload. She is one of the more hardworking royals.