Queen Camilla reflects on Elizabeth II trailblazing role in a mans world

Queen Camilla has shared a poignant reflection on the "groundbreaking legacy" of the late Queen Elizabeth II in a new documentary marking what would have been the monarch's 100th birthday.

The BBC production, titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century, premiered on Sunday. The broadcast serves as a centrepiece for a week of royal commemorations leading up to the centenary on Tuesday.

In the film, the 78-year-old Queen Camilla discussed the immense pressure her mother-in-law faced upon ascending the throne at just 25 years old.

"It must have been so difficult, being surrounded by much older men," Camilla observed, noting that Elizabeth II "carved her own role" at a time when female world leaders were virtually non-existent.

She further praised the late Queen's unparalleled sense of duty, which she described as having "overridden everything" during her historic 70-year reign.

The documentary features a prestigious lineup of contributors, including former President Barack Obama, Sir David Attenborough, and Dame Helen Mirren.

Royal author Robert Hardman also contributed to the tribute, emphasising that the Queen’s ability to hold the institution together in a male-dominated era remains her defining achievement, overshadowing more recent family controversies.

Buckingham Palace has scheduled a series of major events in London this week to honour the milestone.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to lead the royal family in public outings on Monday and Tuesday to celebrate the life of the sovereign who served until her death at age 96 in September 2022.