For years, the dynamic between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla was marked by tension, stemming from a complex past that involved mutual romantic connections and contrasting personalities.
The tension reached its peak when reports surfaced about the blunt and harsh comments Princess Anne allegedly directed at Queen Camilla after she ascended to the role of queen. This reportedly triggered what was described as an “emotionally charged” moment. However, as time went on, their strained relationship surprisingly began to heal.
Queen Camilla and Princess Anne’s Strained Relationship
For many years, the relationship between Queen Camilla and Princess Anne was marked by tension, largely due to past romantic history and conflicting personalities.
In her book Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: From Outcast to Future Queen Consort, author Angela Levin noted that the bond between the two women took a considerable amount of time to develop.
Princess Anne, known for her straightforward and no-nonsense demeanor, was reportedly slow to warm to Queen Camilla when she first joined the royal family. The early friction between them was attributed to several factors.
This included their shared history with Andrew Parker Bowles, who was once Princess Anne’s love interest and later became Queen Camilla’s first husband. In the 1970s, before Queen Camilla’s relationship with King Charles III was publicly known, Princess Anne had been romantically involved with Parker Bowles.
Despite their strong connection, marriage was never an option due to his Catholic faith — a significant barrier for anyone in the Royal Family, as the monarch holds the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
This shared past with Parker Bowles complicated Princess Anne’s perspective on Queen Camilla when she eventually became a major part of King Charles III’s life. The history between the two women created an awkward atmosphere, hindering the development of a comfortable relationship between them.
From the outset, Princess Anne was said to have kept her distance, giving Queen Camilla a frosty reception as she grew more involved in royal affairs. This cold demeanor left Queen Camilla unsettled, as she found it challenging to navigate Princess Anne’s direct and often aloof personality.
While many who had interacted with Princess Anne over the years knew her serious nature, Queen Camilla struggled to break through the icy exterior, leaving her feeling uneasy in her dealings with the Princess Royal.
This tension was not confined to Queen Camilla alone. Princess Anne had a history of maintaining distance from other women who joined the royal family, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.
Both Princess Diana and the Duchess of York experienced Princess Anne’s cold indifference, which suggested that her approach to newcomers was often one of caution and reservation.
Princess Anne’s Controversial Comment and Harsh Forecast for Queen Camilla’s Future
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 marked a profound change in the British monarchy. The crown immediately passed to King Charles III, who became the new monarch of the United Kingdom.
As the wife of the king, Queen Camilla automatically took on the title of Queen Consort. Their formal coronation took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey, marking a significant milestone in her transition from royal outsider to a key figure within the monarchy.
However, the shift wasn’t without its share of controversy, especially within the royal family. For years, reports have suggested that Princess Anne harbored significant doubts about Queen Camilla’s future role. Allegedly, Princess Anne was strongly opposed to the idea of Queen Camilla holding the prestigious title of Queen.
She was even said to have predicted that Queen Camilla would never be regarded as a “true queen.” In May 2023, David Emanuel, the designer behind Princess Diana’s famous wedding gown, disclosed startling details about a confrontation between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla.
According to Emanuel, tensions reached a breaking point during a dinner after the coronation. At the gathering, Princess Anne reportedly confronted Queen Camilla over her decision to drop the “Consort” from her title and simply be called “Queen.”
Emanuel stated that Queen Camilla had originally requested to be known as Queen Consort. However, she “suddenly” began using the title of Queen. Although the change was officially approved, it did not sit well with some members of the royal family.
Emanuel stated that the situation was “very difficult,” mentioning that “a lot of people” had expressed their dissatisfaction with the change. He then shared that a rapidly spreading story from multiple sources suggested that during the coronation dinner, Princess Anne supposedly made her stance on the issue very clear.
Emanuel claimed that the Princess Royal directly told Queen Camilla, “You’re not Queen; you’re the Queen’s Consort,” which led to a “big showdown.” He dramatically revealed that the atmosphere was “emotionally charged” and that there was “a lot of stuff” going on at the time.
‘I heard there was a Coronation dinner… apparently the Princess Royal said “you’re not Queen, you’re the Queen Consort”’.
Princess Diana’s dress maker, David Emanuel, reveals a confrontation between Princess Anne and Camilla at a Coronation dinner. pic.twitter.com/7RALKKa68i
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 4, 2023
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla’s Relationship Now
Over time, the strained relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla slowly improved, as both women discovered mutual respect through their shared dedication to the monarchy.
Though their initial years were filled with tension and separation, the years that followed, along with their common duties within the royal family, played a crucial role in easing Princess Anne’s perspective.
Royal experts note that Princess Anne’s initial doubts gradually transformed into admiration as she witnessed the Queen’s tireless efforts in fulfilling her royal duties. Over time, Queen Camilla’s unwavering dedication to King Charles III and the monarchy earned Princess Anne’s respect, leading to a stronger, more collaborative relationship between them.
Both Princess Anne and Queen Camilla are renowned for their resilience and the unwavering commitment they show in the roles they have embraced within the royal family. When the public learned of King Charles III and Kate, Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, both were temporarily relieved of some royal responsibilities.
During their absence, Queen Camilla stepped into a more prominent role, showcasing her resilience and dedication. Her willingness to take on extra duties underscored her deep commitment to supporting her husband during this challenging period.
Princess Anne could not overlook this characteristic in Queen Camilla. As the Queen rose to the occasion, Princess Anne too reinforced her position as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.
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Princess Anne, renowned for her unwavering work ethic, has remained a steadfast figure in the royal family. With her sharp wit and straightforward manner, she has continuously demonstrated her dedication to the crown, even as her role within the family evolved over time.
The period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II posed significant challenges for the royal family, as they juggled personal sorrow with heightened responsibilities.
Although King Charles III’s path to the throne was always certain, Princess Anne’s role gained greater clarity after her mother’s passing. She assumed a central position in shaping the family’s public image and internal dynamics.
As worries about His Majesty’s health intensified, the Princess Royal’s role within the royal family became increasingly significant. She demonstrated herself as a calm and reliable pillar of support for her brother, helping maintain stability during uncertain times.
With her profound insight into King Charles III’s upbringing and character, alongside her steadfast commitment to his success, she became an invaluable ally throughout this challenging period.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Wesley Kerr OBE remarked, “She is the person The King has known longest. Anne is wise, intelligent, incredibly plugged into the modern United Kingdom.”
“She understands completely who and what has shaped him and is eager for him to succeed: for the sake of their beloved mum and dad and the country and Commonwealth. In other words, she has the perfect perspective and characteristics to shoulder some of the King’s responsibility at this time,” he continued.
As Queen Camilla embraced a more public-facing role, Princess Anne remained a steadfast presence, managing the dual responsibilities of offering personal support to her brother while executing her public duties with her signature efficiency.
Princess Anne’s commitment to her role has been evident in recent months. In early August, just before her 74th birthday, the Princess Royal attended the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she presented medals to athletes.
While in Paris and Marseille, Princess Anne witnessed various sports competitions, including rugby sevens, swimming, and rowing, among others. As the President of the British Olympic Association, she has maintained a deep and enduring connection with the Games.
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The Princess Royal demonstrated her unwavering dedication to her royal duties by attending the Games shortly after a brief hospitalization. She had sought medical care following an accident at her residence.
Reports indicate that Princess Anne was hospitalized after sustaining a minor head injury and concussion, allegedly caused by a horse at her Gloucestershire estate.
The improving relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla highlights how time, shared responsibilities, and mutual respect can overcome even deep-seated differences.
Although their early interactions were marked by tension, both women have grown to value each other’s strengths and their contributions to the royal family.