As King Charles, 74, prepares for his coronation alongside his beloved Queen Camilla, 75, on May 6, their partnership mirrors that of his grandfather King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Charles, the heir to the throne, has been anticipating his ascension for decades, whereas George VI unexpectedly became king after his brother King Edward VIII's sudden abdication in 1936.
George VI, a nervous man with a stutter, received unwavering support from his confident and forthright wife Elizabeth. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, author of the new book George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy, explains that "Camilla is a source of great strength for Charles" just as Elizabeth was for George VI.
Smith highlights the tight partnership both royal couples shared, despite their differing personalities. However, Camilla's situation differs from Queen Elizabeth's, as she married into royalty later in life and was not born into it. Adjusting to the rules and protocols of royal life may require a unique form of reassurance for her.
According to PEOPLE, citing Smith, Camilla and Charles' previous marriages and notorious romance bring a different set of judgments and assumptions that weren't present in 1937. At that time, marrying someone who had been divorced twice, as Edward VIII desired, was impossible in a religious or constitutional sense.
Smith notes that Charles is well-prepared for the public-facing aspects of his role, such as speech-making and public appearances, and will rely on Camilla for support when needed. Charles' comfort in front of a crowd contrasts with George VI, who had to work hard to overcome his stutter for public speaking.
As Charles readies himself for his coronation, he is diligently studying the formal and religious aspects of the ceremony, similar to his grandfather. Smith states, "Charles has been taking instructions from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and George VI and Queen Elizabeth met with the then Archbishop and prayed with him." She believes that Charles and Camilla are also taking the traditions and rituals very seriously.