The family that shaped Camilla

As Britain prepares for an historic coronation, royal biographer Christopher Wilson delves into the Queen Consort's family heritage and the tragic death of a beloved uncle.

- Christopher Wilson

The countdown’s begun on what promises to be the greatest show on earth. The Coronation at Westminster Abbey is set to mark the end of a long road for King Charles III and his wife of the past 17 years, Queen Consort Camilla, and herald the dawn of a brand new royal era.

No coronation is without its headaches – King George III had his wife locked out of the Abbey while he was crowned in 1761 – and this time it’s no different. Buzzing like an angry bee around the forthcoming proceedings has been Prince Harry, a man with a book to sell and a few scores to settle. One of his principle targets has been his stepmother but his aim, most agree, is poor.

Camilla formed “dangerous connections” with the British press, Harry claimed, in order to curry favour as she emerged into the spotlight. Not true. He accused her of leaking stories and “leaving bodies in the street” in her ruthless ambition to don the Crown – not true.

Without naming names Harry went on TV to claim “certain members [of my family] decided to get into bed with the devil, right? To rehabilitate their image.” But now the shock has worn off, his words just sound absurd.

Harry heaped even more sulphurous accusations on Camilla, painting her as an evil scheming stepmother – and perhaps his resentment is partly understandable given the Diana/ Charles/Camilla history we all know. But as her very first biographer, I can say with confidence that she did not scheme, did not manipulate, and – most important – never once expressed the ambition to become queen.