Keep calm & look to Camilla! CHARLES CHARMS KENYA

With his self-assured wife at his side, the King toured with confidence, finding new fans along the way

- Judy Kean

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.