Queen Camilla "Is a Little Afraid" of Prince William, and He Simply "Tolerates Her"
"She was shaking like a leaf."
Much has been written about Prince William's alleged relationship with his stepmother, Queen Camilla.
Reports suggested the pair finally "bonded" while facing the news their spouses both had cancer. It's also been noted Prince William found an "unlikely" ally in Queen Camilla. However, an allegedly tumultuous first meeting hasn't completely been erased from history.
Queen Camilla first met Prince William in 1998. To put things into perspective, William's mother, Princess Diana, had died the previous year. His parents, King Charles and Princess Diana, had finalized their divorce in 1996, after announcing their separation four years prior. Rumors persisted for years that King Charles and Queen Camilla were engaged in an affair, which is also unlikely to have endeared her to William.
Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly, royal author Christopher Andersen said of Camilla's first meeting with William in 1998, "She was shaking like a leaf." He continued, "As soon as William left, she said she needed a gin and tonic."
While their first meeting was allegedly far from perfect, their relations have apparently improved in the years since. A source close to Camilla told Us Weekly, "William has warmed up to Camilla over time... [they have] a familial relationship these days."
However, it goes without saying that Camilla had her work cut out for her when joining the royal family. "William and Harry had always distrusted Camilla and felt resentment toward her because of their devotion to their mother," a source alleged to the publication. "They never felt comfortable opening up to her in any real way."
The source also suggested that Camilla's way of dealing with the press was viewed negatively by both Harry and William. "William and Harry’s distrust grew when they found out Camilla was leaking stories to the press to make herself look better," the source claimed.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
As for where Camilla and William stand in 2024, Andersen told Us Weekly, "[H]e tolerates her." He also noted that Camilla "has always been a little afraid of William."
Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Zoë Kravitz Went Braless in a Decidedly Anti-After Party Outfit
The 'Blink Twice' director is a true master of elevated casual outfits.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Cardi B Gives Birth to Baby Girl: "The Prettiest Lil Thing"
The rapper welcomed a daughter on Sept. 7.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Here's What We Know About 'Selling Sunset' Season 9 As Several Stars Threaten to Leave the Netflix Series
Fans are clamoring for information about the reality show's future amid the cast's ongoing feud.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Prince William and His Beard Visit the Air Force Base Where He Earned His Wings
The prince took a trip down memory lane.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
King Charles Is Making His Own Royal Rules When It Comes to PDA
"A hug? Why not!"
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Channeled Princess Diana Energy in Her Video Message About Ending Cancer Treatment, According to Royal Experts
"It’s hard not to think of Princess Diana when you look at this video..."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Charlotte Had a Hilariously Relatable Reaction to Her Parents Kissing in New Cancer Update Video
The 9-year-old doesn't seem to be a fan of parental PDA.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate's Brother James Middleton Reveals He's "Proud" of Her After Emotional Video
James' sweet message echoes the feelings of royal fans all over the world.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Once Revealed He Wanted His Marriage to Princess Kate to "Last Forever"
The Prince of Wales told a royal expert why he took his "time getting engaged."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
A Very Bearded Prince William Gives an Update on Princess Kate's Health
"It’s good news but there is still a long way to go."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Kept U.K. Trip Secret to Avoid Distracting from His Uncle's Funeral
"Many people close to the family were totally unaware."
By Amy Mackelden Published