Queen Camilla has reportedly opened up about what life is really like on the royal circuit, with one candid remark revealing the hidden nerves behind those polished public engagements.
According to royal reporter and commentator Rebecca English, the 78-year-old made a surprisingly honest confession about stepping out in front of crowds, admitting the experience can feel “terrifying” despite years in the spotlight.
English has travelled extensively covering the royal family, joining them on engagements across the globe. And it was during one particular trip that a memorable exchange with Camilla unfolded.
Early in her career, English had to cut a royal tour short to return home for a bathroom renovation, a decision that didn’t go unnoticed by the queen.
Queen Camilla reportedly made a sad confession about public engagements (Credit: Cover Images)
Queen Camilla’s sad confession about royal engagements
Speaking on the Daily Mail‘s Palace Confidential podcast, English recalled how Camilla reacted when she heard about her early departure.
English explained: “She said, ‘I hear you’re leaving my tour to go and take the tiles off your bathroom,’ and she went, ‘Why isn’t your husband doing that?’
“And I looked at her and without thinking said, ‘Well would you trust your husband to take the tiles off the bathroom?’ Because I do speak my mind, and we both started laughing.”
English continued: “I went, ‘Clearly your husband won’t be taking the tiles off the bathroom.’”
But it was what Camilla said next that clearly stayed with her.
English explained: “And she said, and I remember it so distinctly, she said, ‘Oh I’m really sad because I don’t think anyone realises how terrifying it is getting out of a car and there’s this huge sea of people, and cameras, and the flashes are going off, and it’s really helpful to me to see a few friendly faces I recognise that I can look at and focus on.’
Reflecting on the moment, English added: “I thought, ‘God, this hasn’t been easy for you.’ I know things didn’t start in ideal circumstances and people will have an opinion on that, but one of the things her friends have always said to me is that she never wanted this.”
Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
Camilla and Charles have been married for more than 20 years (Credit: Marco Iacobucci/IPA/INSTARimages)
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