Princess Anne and Queen Camilla’s relationship was once filled with tension and awkwardness, partly because of a surprising romantic history. For years, their interactions were icy, and things got so bad that there was even a “big showdown” between them after Camilla became queen.
But as time went on, their relationship took an unexpected turn. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how these two strong women went from cold shoulders to mutual respect.
A Complicated History
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla’s strained relationship had deep roots. One of the biggest reasons for the tension was their shared romantic history with Andrew Parker Bowles. Back in the 1970s, before Camilla married Andrew, Princess Anne had been in a relationship with him.
They were deeply connected, but marriage was never an option because Andrew was Catholic, and as a member of the Royal Family, Anne couldn’t marry a Catholic. The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, so this was a big deal.
When Camilla later married Andrew and then became a central figure in King Charles III’s life, it created an awkward dynamic. Princess Anne reportedly found it hard to warm up to Camilla, and their interactions were often cold and distant.
Camilla, on the other hand, struggled to break through Anne’s tough exterior.
Author Angela Levin, who wrote “Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: From Outcast to Future Queen Consort,” explained that it took a long time for their relationship to improve. “Princess Anne is known for her no-nonsense approach,” Levin said.
“She didn’t easily warm up to Camilla, and their shared history with Andrew Parker Bowles didn’t help.”
A Frosty Reception
Princess Anne’s cold demeanor wasn’t just reserved for Camilla. She was known to keep her distance from other women who joined the royal family, like Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York.
Both Diana and Sarah experienced Anne’s aloofness, which made it clear that the Princess Royal wasn’t quick to welcome newcomers. This made Camilla’s entry into the family even more challenging.
The Big Showdown
Things came to a head after Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022. King Charles III became the new monarch, and Camilla automatically became Queen Consort.
Their coronation took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey, marking a huge moment in Camilla’s journey from royal outsider to queen. But not everyone was happy about it.
Princess Anne, in particular, had strong reservations about Camilla’s new title. Reports suggested that Anne was deeply opposed to Camilla being called “Queen” and even predicted that she would never be seen as a “true queen.”
The tension between them reportedly exploded during a dinner after the coronation.
David Emanuel, the designer behind Princess Diana’s iconic wedding gown, revealed what happened. He said that Camilla had initially asked to be called “Queen Consort,” but later started using the title “Queen.”
This change didn’t sit well with some members of the royal family, including Princess Anne.
According to Emanuel, during the coronation dinner, Princess Anne confronted Camilla in a dramatic moment. Anne allegedly said, “You’re not Queen; you’re the Queen’s Consort.”
‘I heard there was a Coronation dinner… apparently the Princess Royal said “you’re not Queen, you’re the Queen Consort”’.
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 4, 2023
Princess Diana’s dress maker, David Emanuel, reveals a confrontation between Princess Anne and Camilla at a Coronation dinner. pic.twitter.com/7RALKKa68i
This led to what Emanuel described as a “big showdown.” He added, “It was emotionally charged. There was a lot of stuff happening at the time.”
A Thaw in the Ice
Despite the rocky start, time has a way of healing old wounds. Over the years, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla’s relationship gradually improved. As they worked together to support the monarchy, Anne began to see Camilla in a new light.
Camilla’s dedication to her royal duties and her support for King Charles III earned Anne’s respect.
Royal experts noted that Anne’s initial skepticism turned into admiration as she saw how hard Camilla worked. “Princess Anne is a practical woman,” one expert said. “She values hard work and commitment, and Camilla proved herself in that regard.”
Stepping Up Together
In 2024, when King Charles III and Kate, Princess of Wales, announced their cancer diagnoses, both Princess Anne and Queen Camilla stepped up to take on more responsibilities.
Camilla became more visible in her public duties, showing her resilience and dedication to the monarchy. Anne, known for her tireless work ethic, also took on a bigger role, supporting her brother and the family during this difficult time.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Wesley Kerr OBE explained how important Anne was during this period. “She is the person The King has known longest. Anne is wise, intelligent, and incredibly plugged into the modern United Kingdom,” he said.
“She understands completely who and what has shaped him and is eager for him to succeed. In other words, she has the perfect perspective and characteristics to shoulder some of the King’s responsibility at this time.”
A New Chapter
In recent months, Princess Anne has continued to show her dedication to her royal duties.
In early August 2024, just before her 74th birthday, she attended the Paris Olympics, where she presented medals and watched various sports competitions, including rugby sevens, swimming, and rowing.
As President of the British Olympic Association, Anne has always been passionate about the Games. Her attendance at the Olympics was especially meaningful because it came shortly after she was hospitalized for a minor head injury caused by a horse at her Gloucestershire estate.
A Story of Growth and Respect
The evolving relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla is a testament to how time, shared responsibilities, and mutual respect can heal even the deepest divides.
While their early years together were marked by tension and distance, they eventually found common ground in their commitment to the monarchy.
Princess Anne’s no-nonsense approach and Camilla’s resilience have made them both indispensable members of the royal family. As they continue to support King Charles III and the monarchy, their story serves as a reminder that even the most complicated relationships can grow and change for the better.
In the end, it’s clear that both women have come to appreciate each other’s strengths. As one royal insider put it, “They may have started on rocky ground, but now they’re united by their love for the monarchy and their desire to see it thrive.”
