Candid, convivial and with a great sense of humour… as the Duchess of Cornwall turns 70, Kathy Lette spills the beans on the real Camilla
The first time I met Camilla Parker Bowles at a party about 15 years ago, I enquired about the pressures of being in the myopic gaze of the media spotlight. Camilla immediately endeared herself to me by revealing how well-meaning American matriarchs, taking pity on her weathered complexion, constantly posted their cosmetic surgeons’ details. Instead of taking umbrage, Camilla chortled, self-deprecatingly, their efforts only serving to give her more laughter lines.
I hadn’t expected the future Queen of England to be more disarming than a UN peace-keeping force, but reading between those lines that day, what I saw was warmth, wit, compassion and great strength of character. Camilla would never want a facial expression by taxidermy. Her animated countenance is alight with curiosity, perspicacity and amusement. This is a woman at home in her skin and at ease with herself.
Sandringham & Spanx
The public perception of a royal is someone who speaks in a voice brittle enough to qualify for osteoporosis pills, in an accent sharp enough to shave your legs with. Well, Camilla is their antithesis. Candid, convivial and upbeat, she punctures pomposity with a wry aside or comic quip. Whenever we’ve met, I’ve noticed how she treats everyone the same, from maid to monarch. The future Queen has a talent for making people relax in her company. Despite my Republican tendencies, this is why I like HRH so much – because she’s a class act, not swayed by class.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av Woman & Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks