This documentary gets inside a previously closed world to reveal the real story of Charles and Camilla’s relationship. Breaking their silence are friends including Lord Gowrie, Angela Huth and Lord Carrington, alongside confidantes, constitutional experts and biographers. Former staff disclose the ruses used to keep the relationship secret, the private face of the truculent prince, and stories of Sandringham parties.
The film exposes the campaign to resurrect Camilla’s reputation and install her as Queen beside Charles, and asks whether she offers hope for the future of the British monarchy. As Charles’s mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles was following in family tradition: her great-grandmother, Alice Keppel, was Edward VII’s lover. But after Diana’s divorce many blamed her for wrecking the Wales’s marriage, and Diana’s death made her even more unpopular. Camilla was judged by many as unsuitable to be the wife of the heir to the throne or to take the title Queen.
When she married Charles, the Palace - ever cautious - announced she would be called “Princess Consort” instead. But this film shows that she is an invaluable support to the Prince of Wales: calming his rages, making him laugh, discreetly advising him and sustaining his commitment to royal duties. Charles is determined that her crucial role is recognised (as is her constitutional right according to experts) as his Queen.
Thursday 31 May 2007, Channel 4, 9PM
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