The Royal Perks: Queen Consort Camilla's Family Ascends to the Forefront
As Queen Consort Camilla embraces her new role alongside King Charles III, she is reportedly working on securing royal privileges for her own family members.
The first UK Mother's Day since Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September was marked on March 19. The royal family's Twitter account shared a throwback photo of the late monarch with King Charles III as an infant, as well as an image of Queen Consort Camilla with her late mother, Rosalind Shand. The caption expressed thoughts for all mothers, as well as those missing their mothers on this day.
Family has apparently been a significant focus for Camilla recently, particularly in terms of bestowing royal benefits. According to a source, as the Windsors continue to feud, the 75-year-old Queen Consort has been seeking to bring her own family to the center of royal life.
Camilla's children with ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles – Tom Parker Bowles, 48, and Laura Lopes, 45 – "already get a lot of perks because of their mother, but she's been flexing her newfound power," the source disclosed, cited by the Life & Style magazine.
There are rumors of providing them with apartments at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, or another royal property. "Some say Camilla is slowly but surely icing out Charles' family. Everyone is questioning if this was her plan all along."
The situation has allegedly not sat well with Prince William, 40, and his wife, Princess Kate, 41. The source claimed, "Camilla became more conniving after receiving her queen escort title. They have their guard up." As the king's coronation on May 6 approaches, tensions are rising. "The buzz is that Camilla's five teen grandchildren will be part of the ceremony with Charles," the source added. "She wants them to be just as visible as William and Kate's kids."
Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, are anticipated to be part of a procession at Westminster Abbey. "Camilla isn't that close to them — mostly because William has made it clear that she is not his children's step-grandmother," the source observed. "That's another reason why Camilla is eager for Tom and Laura to be included in all family affairs."
However, the source noted that Prince William would prefer his father to assert himself. "He thinks his father should stand up to her," the source said. "Though William is upset with Camilla's scheming, he lays the bulk of the blame on Charles. She's always worn the pants in their relationship, and the king hates confrontation."
As the royal family dynamics continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how the balance of power will shift and how Queen Consort Camilla's influence will impact her own family's position within the monarchy.