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Camilla has come a long way in the eyes of the nation since her controversial role in the break-up of Prince Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana.
The Queen cemented the Duchess of Cornwall’s royal promotion in an ‘extraordinary’ Platinum Jubilee message yesterday, making her Queen Consort when she dies and Charles becomes King.
Dickie Arbiter, the monarch’s former press spokesperson, said this was the Queen ‘tying up loose ends’.
In a touching tribute, he told the Mirror: ‘She has more than shown in all the years since that she is in every way capable of fulfilling the role of Queen Consort.
‘She has been absolutely marvellous in everything she’s done – proving to be an incredibly good support not only for the Prince of Wales but also for the Queen, who she has become very close to.
‘She will be good for the King and good for the country.’
For years, the duchess was cast as a villainous marriage-wrecker.
But through her charity work championing literacy, and supporting victims of rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and her support for her mother-in-law, she has turned public opinion around.
Gradually, Camilla has taken on a more prominent position within the royal family – like attending the State Opening of Parliament – proving she is capable of handling more responsibility.
Her advancement was also the Queen’s way to ‘future proof’ an institution she has served for 70 years in a bid for a ‘trouble free’ transition, according to a royal expert.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said: ‘The Queen is ensuring the transition, when it comes, to her son as king is as seamless and trouble free as possible.
‘She’s future proofing an institution she’s served for seventy years. And for Camilla, the journey from being the third person in a marriage to queen-in-waiting, is complete.’
Royal author Penny Junor said Camilla’s rise in the royal ranks was ‘an endorsement from the top’, adding this was the ‘Queen’s wish’.
Describing it as the ‘perfect’ way for the monarch to mark her Platinum Jubilee, she added it was also about being realistic for the next royal age.
Ms Junor said: ‘This is the Queen’s wish. This is not about Charles being headstrong and wanting this for the woman he loves.
‘It is a proper endorsement from the top and it’s right and well deserved, and just as it should be.
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‘It will do a great deal for the mother-son relationship. Charles will be very very pleased.’
Ms Junor agreed that Camilla has been ‘loyal and discreet’ and someone who has worked ‘her socks off’ in the charity sector.
Asked how Camilla would be as Queen, Ms Junor said: ‘She will bring warmth. She’s fun and friendly and she has a twinkle in her eye. She makes people feel good for having met her.’
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