Queen Camilla’s first meeting with Prince William was marked by anxiety and apprehension, yet it laid the foundation for a relationship that has grown closer over the years. Details of this initial encounter have resurfaced as both the Prince of Wales and his stepmother navigate similar personal challenges—namely, supporting their spouses through their respective cancer battles.
According to royal author Penny Junor's 2019 book, "Queen Consort: The Life of Queen Camilla," the meeting between Camilla and Prince William was not planned. At the time, Prince William was attending Eton and had returned to York House in London unexpectedly for the weekend. This sudden arrival caught King Charles off guard as he was with Camilla at the time. Though Camilla offered to leave, King Charles insisted she stay and informed his son of her presence.
Junor recounts that Camilla was "decidedly anxious" as she awaited Prince William’s arrival. Her anxiety heightened when the young prince arrived four hours earlier than expected. "He's here," King Charles reportedly told Camilla, suggesting they "just get on with it." He then left Camilla and William alone to get to know each other.
After their half-hour interaction, Camilla reportedly remarked, "I need a gin and tonic." Junor clarifies that Camilla's comment was made in jest, as the meeting had gone well. Prince William was described as "friendly," and Camilla was content to move at his pace. Understanding the delicate nature of her position, Camilla knew it would take time for Prince William and Prince Harry to warm up to her. Nevertheless, she occasionally met William for lunch or dropped by York House when he was there.
PR expert Mark Bolland spoke with Junor about the public outings of King Charles' sons with Camilla, noting that while the initial interactions were "awkward," they managed to navigate the situation. "It was difficult for them; it was a natural thing. You want your mum, you don't want her, and she had her own family. To be fair to Camilla, she never tried to be mummy, but she was the 'other woman,' and she was there taking daddy's time," Bolland explained.
In contrast, Prince Harry has been openly critical of his stepmother. In his memoir "Spare," he described her as "dangerous," a "villain," and the third person in his parents' marriage. Harry also shared that he and Prince William were initially against their father's marriage to Camilla but eventually agreed because they saw how happy she made him.
Over time, Prince William has developed a closer relationship with Camilla, especially as they both face the challenges of supporting their spouses through serious health issues. Earlier this year, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! Magazine that recent events have brought the stepmother and stepson closer together, resulting in an "unlikely" bond.
However, this growing closeness between William and Camilla has reportedly caused friction with Prince Harry. Royal biographer and commentator Tom Quinn suggested that Harry feels "betrayed" by his brother's relationship with their stepmother. "He [Harry] really distrusts that William actually gets on rather well now with Camilla—Harry will see this as a betrayal," Quinn told the Mirror. "He was shocked when William realized that Camilla, far from being the monster they thought her when they were children, is actually a rather nice woman."