They knew it was going to be a tricky assignment, overshadowed by controversy about Britain's colonial past. But the King and Queen's visit to Kenya went much better than hoped, and sources put that down to Charles' not-so-secret weapon - his wife.
Royal insiders say Camilla has given Charles the confidence to be more relaxed and self-assured when it comes to all aspects of his job, and his more "chilled out" demeanour is particularly noticeable on overseas tours like the recent one to Kenya, the first Commonwealth country he has visited since becoming King last year.
Many of the people he interacted with during the four-day trip - particularly younger Kenyans - commented on how laidback he seemed.
"King Charles is really cool," says 23-year-old Veronica Michael, who met His Majesty in Mombasa. "He was not formal, but friendly."
Adds Rhoda Asiyo, 26, "The King was very chilled out."
A lot of that is down to Camilla, 76, whose very presence reassures the King, according to royal biographer easy ee the Christopher Wilson. "Despite all the trappings of majesty, it's cold and lonely at the top and it's easy to see the comfort she provides him."
Body language expert Darren Stanton has noticed the difference in Charles, who turned 75 last week, and says just having Camilla nearby while he's carrying out engagements helps to keep the King calm.
"He likes her to be very close by as she's a strong woman with a strong personality," says Darren. "It's clear that at times when he's looking a little nervous, she's always there right by his side - she is the calm one in a crisis."
Charles has always tended to display tell-tale gestures when he's anxious, such as playing with his cufflinks.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 13, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 13, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills