Why Queen Camilla's crown will always be controversial

Within the boundless architecture of the British monarchy, custom is observed, and reputation bears utmost importance. However, there is always a person ready to step into the focal ray of the enormous throne and turn the narrative on its head, causing all of the drama.

In This case, that is Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. She took the UK by storm once she gained the reputation as the “queen of scandals”, now she is riding of into the sunset alongside King Charles the third. 

Her crowning brought a lavish ceremony, she is now the “queen of England”, yet the question remains, should she be dubbed as “queen” of a nation she was once intertwined into a love triangle that swayed the monarchy?

A Royal love story born in scandal

To understand the reasoning behind the question of “why did they think she was not considered to be queen”, one must first understand the breakup that was all over the tabloids.

The first “lady” of a love story that shattered the monarchy was Camilla Shand. She used to be the partner of Charles and she was shredded to pieces by the media as the “booth babe” of Charles.

As noted in BBC News and The Guardian, in the 1990s, Camilla was often viewed as the ‘villain’ in one of the most challenging episodes in contemporary British royal history. 

Diana’s legendary interview with the BBC’s Panorama in 1995 had the enduring phrase “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” Camilla was immediately typecast as the villain in the narrative after that.

Promises Given and Altered?

The marriage of Charles and Camilla in 2005 was more of damage control than a celebration. Their marriage was covered by The Telegraph and The Times as Buckingham Palace stated Camilla was to be referred to as the Duchess of Cornwall and not the Princess of Wales out of respect for Princess Diana.

Moreover, The Telegraph and Times along with other sources reported the Palace stating that Princess Diana would never be referred to as Princess of Wales. Instead, she would hold the title of Princess Consort, a title never before used. This was said to attempt to placate the public in an attempt to avoid public outrage and controversial conversations.

Those Statements Would Later on be Rephrased

On her Platinum Jubilee message in 2022, news outlets like SKY and BBC reported the unveiling of the rephrased statements. Allegedly, Queen Elizabeth 2 stated it was her sincere wish for Camilla to be referred to as Queen Consort. This was reported as a change of endorsement that had simply turned everything upside down.

Diana's Shadow That Never Went Away

Camilla’s queenship has provoked a fair deal of controversy which stems from the lingering afterglow of Diana’s wedded image. Even decades after her tragic and untimely death, Diana remains a cultural figure. 

YouGov conducted a poll in 2021 for the most admired woman in Britain, and thus, her image remains unblemished by the harrowing passage of time.

As stated in her biography “The Duchess”, royal commentator Penny Junor believes that Camilla’s image and public perception have changed for the better. However, she also states that Diana’s ghost continues to trail the crown. It is apparent that a good number of individuals feel that the elevation of Camilla feels like an attempt to erase the impact of Diana, or worse, her legacy.

Queen by Marriage, Not by Destiny?

Camilla's entry into royalty was unlike those of traditional born hid up. She did not train for public life as a queen or royalty. In the book The Crown: The Official Companion, royal historian Robert Lacey states, “Camilla's story represents ‘a love that outlasted scandal, but also one that forced the monarchy to break its own rules.’”

Her critics speak on how she managed to get into royal life, claiming that it was entirely fabricated and not out of national appreciation.

Over the years and much debate, it came to light in the New York Times that the royal family did, in fact, spend two decades ‘quietly’ working on scandal free acceptability of Camilla as a part of the royal family, not just accepting but also rebranding the monarchy on the whole and began partially accepting the change.

A New Chapter, Still Divisive

Camilla attending official royal functions as the Queen Consort has garnered some positive reception. The Evening Standard and The Express are reporting a spike of support due to the drama-free, reserved manner in which she executes her royal duties.

In her defence, she certainly has a 51% approval rating. In her favour, some polls put out indicate that there is support in favour of the use of Camilla as a name, forgiveness on the call of Queen being put to the side. There were keener eyes on her persona not being parabola-Court lady, and that is noteworthy.

The Verdict is Still Out

A majority of people do not have a concrete opinion and stance if she is the subject of adoration or hatred. Every single living person is entitled to their opinion, and that opinion she should have is still looking to develop.

Camilla certainly is in for the ride of the modern monarchy, and this is a world overhaul to which they are adjusting. Whether people turn at her either with loving presents or rage sticks, her inner-celeb status will surely sprout out.

Still and all, that is not rendered unimaginative. The furiously-frustrating construction of her path has been consisted with human logic and bewildering to many which makes her royal pattern not enchanting to global society.