Queen Camilla Seems Lighter in Her New Role

First she was a royal mistress, despised by many in England for her role as a spoiler in the marriage of Charles and his first wife, the late Diana, Princess of Wales. (“There’s three of us in this marriage,” Diana said in 1995, “so it’s a little crowded.”)

Then she became a royal princess, finally marrying Charles in a pared-down wedding (at least until the royal ceremony), in 2005. It was the culmination of a decades-long relationship between two middle-aged people who really loved each other. others despite many obstacles (such as other couples), marriage represents the triumph of experience over hope.

And now she was Queen Camilla, the title of Empress before her having been thrown away almost overnight. Today’s coronation represents not only the moment when Charles finally ascends to the role he has waited his whole life for, but also the final act in the long rehabilitation of former Camilla Parker Bowles.

It is interesting to see the body language during the long coronation ceremony. While Charles looks heavy because of the responsibility (and, it must be said, because of the weight of the crown and robes and all the things that have to be carried), Camilla looks lighter, even relaxed because she is crowned, anointed (but in public view, not behind screen like her husband) and was given a ring.

She looked comfortable and happy on the throne, enjoying her husband’s glory. As the two stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a traditional and symbolic public greeting after the coronation ceremony, Charles appeared relaxed, actually chatting with his wife as the family gathered.

Alert viewers will notice that two women, dressed in long white dresses, are near Queen Camilla for the coronation ceremony, like bridesmaids at a wedding, and again in the balcony, gathering some children. She is her sister, Annabel Elliot, and her longtime friend, Lady Landsdowne. In a nod to the “slimmed-down” nature of this coronation, they are not called ladies-in-waiting, but ladies in attendance – another example of how this ceremony has been updated, but only sort of.