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Privacy NoticeKing Charles and Queen Camilla have been in one another’s lives for more than five decades, and if there is one thing that the past seven months have proved, it is that the Queen has well and truly grown into her role as well as the King could have ever hoped. As the year so far has been dominated by royal health worries, the Queen’s value on the public stage has skyrocketed as she continues to expertly step in and keep the royal show afloat. And, as she approaches her 77th birthday, Camilla’s value is being seen more so than ever before, a leading royal expert points out.
The Queen has expertly fit in her demanding role
(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
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“Camilla is certainly rocking it as she approaches her 77th birthday,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! “I think she might have surprised herself by enjoying hard work as much as she seems to be doing! “She is, after all, a woman who has never had to knuckle down to a solid career or the slog of a 9 to 5 job. She has shouldered a sharply increased workload and a massive amount of responsibility in the past few months — and is looking and sounding great on it!” Reflecting on how her hard work is in part due to her closeness with King Charles, Jennie adds: “I think part of it is because she so much wants the man she loves to be proud of her, and to pull her weight in their partnership.
Queen Camilla has certainly stepped up to the plate
(Image: Getty Images)
“But also it must be so gratifying to have earned widespread approval – even affection – from a public who once ganged up against her as the ‘marriage breaker’ and the ‘other woman’ who made Diana so unhappy. “I think Diana was absolutely right to tell me that Camilla was ‘loyal’ and that Charles’s love for Camilla was stronger than any marriage he might ever have made. “These days I think Camilla is looking sleeker, smarter and more stylish than ever and she has grown immeasurably in confidence. What a contrast to those early days when she looked and sounded so very nervous if she had to speak in public. Now she is assured, confident and comfortable in her new and very demanding role.”
The Queen has stepped up to the plate during the King’s health troubles
(Image: Getty Images)
Jennie’s comments come after Queen Camilla made a rare address praising the nation’s servicemen and women as a “source of inspiration, reassurance and pride” to mark the recent Armed Forces Day. Camilla’s heartfelt message also highlighted her personal connection with the Armed Forces, referring to herself as the “proud daughter of an Army officer”. She wore her Royal Lancers brooch a nod to her late father’s regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief. Major Shand’s wartime service was noteworthy; he served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War, earning the Military Cross twice once in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his North Africa campaign. Despite being wounded and captured in the same region, he survived the ordeal, passing away at the age of 89 in June 2006.
Queen Camilla, as Colonel in Chief of the Royal Lancers, paid tribute to the nation’s servicemen and women in a rare address
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
In her video, Camilla expressed gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces for “everything you do to protect this country of ours”. She also paid tribute to those who made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the quest for global peace. Referring to the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Queen said: “Eight decades later, I know that same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our Armed Forces, as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers.” “In so doing, you not only protect these Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores. Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnCharles and CamillaQueen CamillaKing Charles IIIPrincess DianaRoyal Family
