'CAMILLA HAS ONLY EVER BEEN HERSELF'

FORMER ROYAL BUTLER GRANT HARROLD TELLS US HOW CAMILLA HAS FINALLY FOUND A PLACE IN THE NATION'S HEARTS ALMOST TWO DECADES AFTER BECOMING THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL

- RHIANNA BENSON

A WARM WELCOME

The Duchess of Cornwall stepped out in Manchester's Central Library last week for a photo exhibition on the subject of domestic abuse.

Being a patron of the charity SafeLives, Camilla, who wore a navy and green tartan outfit, described the work as "extraordinary and profoundly touching".

She later headed to a pre-Jubilee celebration at the Emmaus Mossley homelessness charity in the Ashton-under-Lyne area of the city, where she was given a welcome party that included a giant carnival puppet, drummers and carnival performers.

Later on, the 74-year-old was seen touring the Emmaus Mossley charity shop, admitting she "collects" royal memorabilia as she was seen buying a Silver Jubilee commemorative mug for £1.50.

Chatting to a carnival performer in Manchester

The outing marks one of the most recent trips taken by the royal without the company of her husband, Prince Charles. And more than 17 years after their marriage, it's fair to say that Camilla has now earned national treasure status.

Although once vilified for her perceived part in the breakdown Charles' marriage to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, the Duchess has become a central figure in the royal family since officially joining in 2005 and has won over her critics.