Queen consort Camilla Parker Bowles became in February the visible head of the British monarchy.
This is mainly due to the health problems being faced by both King Charles III and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
Amid this juncture, Camilla has taken the reins of the royal family’s agenda.
Queen Camilla, the visible head of the Crown
Camilla has had to assume a leading role in the events and protocol acts of the monarchy.
This was seen last Tuesday, February 27 when she acted as hostess at the tribute to King Constantine of Greece on behalf of Charles III.
Then on February 29, she hosted Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, at Clarence House.
This, only highlighting two of her last 13 events she had to face in the month of February.
This increased public exposure of the queen consort has served to partly counteract speculation about Kate Middleton’s health.
The media now focuses more on Camilla’s busy schedule, which dilutes the theories and rumors about the real state of the princess.
At the same time, being at the helm of the monarchy at this time has further boosted Camilla’s popularity among Britons.
100 years of the @PoppyFactory! 👏
At Clarence House, The Queen has welcomed employees and long standing friends and partners of The Poppy Factory, as well as veterans and family members who have overcome barriers and seen their lives changed with help from the organisation. pic.twitter.com/HjcnWqYJa8
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 15, 2024
According to a recent poll, 50% of the population now has a positive image of her. This is up 10 percentage points from 2019.
Notably, the percentage of people who have a negative perception of Camilla has also fallen, from 44% in 2019 to 39% now.
While her approval levels do not compare with those of Kate Middleton, it is an important milestone considering the circumstances of her arrival at Buckingham.
That is, with the shadow of Princess Diana permanently accompanying her and the controversial love story of having been the perpetual mistress of the current King Charles.
For all these reasons, at 76 years of age, Queen consort Camilla has earned a new respect among the public, establishing herself as a fundamental piece of the monarchy in a delicate moment of transition.
Her ability to assume more public responsibilities and represent the Crown has been key in these months of absence of the King and Princess of Wales.
Camilla is emerging as a central figure and a stabilizing force in the royal family, taking on responsibilities and acting as a support to the King.