Duke of Sussex Faces Isolation as Camilla Emerges as a Trusted Royal Figure
The roles of Harry and Queen Camilla within the royal family appear to have undergone a dramatic reversal, with the Duke of Sussex now seen as a "despised outcast," according to a close confidante of Camilla.
Channel 4's new documentary, Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother?, delves into the intricate relationship between Harry and his stepmother. It traces Camilla’s journey from being a divisive figure during King Charles III’s tumultuous first marriage to her current position as Queen Consort, widely regarded as a symbol of stability.
Journalist Petronella Wyatt, a friend of Camilla, highlighted the shift, noting that Camilla, once vilified by the public, is now perceived as a steady and affectionate presence, while Harry finds himself increasingly marginalised. “It’s ironic how their public roles have swapped,” Wyatt commented, describing Camilla as a "safe pair of hands" in the royal fold.
Patrick Jephson, the late Princess Diana’s former private secretary, painted a picture of Camilla as a politically astute figure whose rehabilitation of her public image was anything but understated. "It’s been like a sledgehammer," Jephson remarked, suggesting that Harry has been strategically positioned to improve the public perception of both Charles and Camilla.
Harry’s own narrative adds to the tension. In his memoir Spare, he recounted his initial unease around Camilla, likening her to a potential "wicked stepmother." Despite this, he acknowledged her warmth during their early encounters. However, in a 2023 interview on 60 Minutes, Harry labelled Camilla as "dangerous," citing her alleged manipulation of the media to enhance her standing.
The documentary also sheds light on how the term "wicked stepmother" might have originated, with claims that Harry used it during a polo match, a claim attributed to author Tom Quinn. As the royal family navigates its evolving dynamics, the contrast between Camilla’s rising favour and Harry’s isolation becomes ever more pronounced.
