Â鶹´«Ã½

World

    • 25 years after Diana's death, has the public accepted Camilla?

    Share

    “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded…†Those bombshell words from Diana, Princess of Wales were the confirmation, that we didn’t really need, of the affair between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles that overshadowed the marriage of Charles and Diana, The Prince and Princess of Wales.

    It’s 26 years since that interview and 25 years since Diana, Princess of Wales died alongside Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul in a high-speed car crash in Paris. In the aftermath of Diana’s death, the prospect of Charles ascending to the throne with Camilla by his side was nothing but a pipe dream.

    Popularity of the Royal Family was at an all-time low. At the time of Diana’s death, The Queen was at Balmoral, and it was five days before The Queen and Prince Philip returned to London to address the outpouring of grief that had engulfed the nation. The masses weren’t pleased. A lot of people felt that it was a continuation of the treatment of Diana, Princess of Wales, the disregard for her and her wellbeing that ultimately led to her death.

    In 1997, polls conducted for BBC suggested that the British public were not keen on Charles becoming King if he married Camilla, . Eighty-six per cent of those polled also thought that Camilla shouldn’t be Queen. Only 43% of the public thought that Charles and Camilla should get married at all, with these ratings staying the same in the years after Diana’s death, right up unto the time the engagement of Charles and Camilla was announced in February 2005.

    They married in April of that year, and since then Charles and Camilla have faced a long PR battle to show the softer, more personable side to both of them in the face of criticism over the way they both treated Diana, Princess of Wales.

    But has the public really accepted Camilla? NBC News Royal Commentator Daisy McAndrew seems to think so. “I think how she’s managed to come in from the cold in the public’s perception and affection has been remarkable. It’s been a very deliberate policy of building up her public image slowly - and definitely not trying to position her as a ‘Diana mark 2’. She plowed a different path, tried to show her authentic self: more independent and yet homely, less showy, but solid and caring and I think it’s worked.

    "She’s also let it be known she has a sense of humour and can make Charles appear more human which is crucial. She’s taken on her own issues like domestic abuse and book reading and is cutting through on those I think. She’s wisely never attempted to ‘outshine’ Diana.â€

    Prince Charles and his bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as they leave St George's Chapel in Windsor, England, April 9, 2005 following the church blessing of their civil wedding ceremony. (AP Photo/ Alastair Grant, File)

    Camilla recently celebrated a milestone 75th birthday with a magazine feature in Vogue UK and the cover of U.K. magazine Country Life, which she also guest edited. With photographs by Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge and recipes from her own kitchen featured in the Country Life spread, her PR team have been working overtime – and then some – to get Camilla out to the masses, to show a more human, softer side to her, far from the marriage-wrecker she has been chalked up as in the past.

    PR TEAM 'WORKING OVERTIME'

    She’s been repackaged as everything from the ultimate grandma, to a glam-ma, to Prince Charles’ “strength and stay†and ultimately our next Queen. In this massive PR push Camilla has come across and charming and fun; at her 75th birthday lunch of invited guests in her age bracket she cracked jokes about only being invited because of her age; in a documentary about rural life she highlighted issues such as domestic violence and called herself a “country woman.â€

    Camilla has refrained from addressing what it was like, being the third person in the marriage of Charles and Diana, and has never commented on the record about Diana herself. But speaking to Vogue UK she said, “It's not easy...I was scrutinized for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it," she said. "Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticized ...But I think in the end, I sort of rise above it and get on with it. You've got to get on with life.â€

    There is one thing however, that may have sealed Camilla’s place on the throne beside her beloved Prince Charles – the Queen’s approval. In February of this year the Queen issued a statement saying it was her, “sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.†This is the rubber-stamped seal of approval that resolves the sensitive issue of the Queen finally endorsing Charles and Camilla.

    WILL CAMILLA EVER BE QUEEN?

    It had widely been speculated that she would hold the title of Princess Consort, not Queen Consort, once Charles became king, but this statement proved otherwise. Now, if there’s one thing the Great British public have, it’s an affinity with the Queen. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations up and down the country were widely successful because a lot of Brits love the Queen – not necessarily the Royal Family. Recent scandals involving Prince Andrew and Prince Charles have contributed to the perception that there’s a lot of drama and dodgy dealings in the family that the Queen rises above. But, if Queen Elizabeth II has said that Camilla should be Queen Consort, then we can expect most of the British public to accept her in that way. To them, the Queen’s endorsement means everything.

    Twenty-five years after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales she remains the People’s Princess, an icon of philanthropy and fashion, an almost super-celebrity, the most photographed woman in the world, who died trying to escape having her photo taken.

    There are those people, for whom Diana remains a victim of press intrusion and ultimately the Royal Family. As commemorations of her death, and the slew of documentaries, magazine covers, and true crime podcasts about her and her untimely death that will follow in the coming days, it will be a difficult time for Charles and Camilla, as well as Harry, William and all those who knew and loved Diana, Princess of Wales. But as the Royal Family moves into the next generation, with Charles as King and Camilla by his side, there’s a quiet acceptance of the status quo. Diana will remain the People’s Princess, and Camilla will be their Queen Consort.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    • A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province’s police watchdog.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • LIVE

      LIVE

      Thousands of people are gathered in downtown Vancouver to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.

    • After months of controversy surrounding a dog park in Ottawa's west end, a solution has been reached to divide the park in half.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the STM.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      This is shaping up to be one of the warmest Remembrance Days in the past decade, at least, for temperatures.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Remembrance Day is today, and a number of ceremonies are taking place around the province to honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

    • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Barrie residents gathered on Monday to honour Canada’s veterans and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the country.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½