From mistress TO QUEEN

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward gives a first-hand account of Camilla's bumpy journey to the throne

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Today she is Queen, but Camilla Parker Bowles' path to the throne has been far from straightforward. Originally cast as the villain in the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales' love story, she was once labelled 'Britain's most hated woman'.

However, despite the odds, Camilla, 76, has remained steadfastly by Charles' side and, according to Ingrid Seward, is now 'the strength behind the crown', particularly following His Majesty's cancer diagnosis, and The Princess of Wales' recent operation. Here, Ingrid looks at her transformation.

Early days

Their love story began in 1971, when Prince Charles was invited to a party in Belgravia. A 24-year-old Camilla Shand, who was in an on-off relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles, was invited by neighbour Lucía Santa Cruz to meet the heir to the throne. 'There was an instant warmth between the two,' recalls Ingrid.

Romance soon blossomed and Charles' uncle, Lord Mountbatten, 'told the Prince he could use his family home, Broadlands in Hampshire, whenever he wanted, so he could be alone with Camilla without anyone knowing.' The relationship came to its 'inevitable end' in 1973, when the Prince's naval career demanded that he sail to the Caribbean, separating the couple for a year. Now, Ingrid reveals that during their last weekend at Broadlands, the 'idea of proposing to Camilla occurred' to Charles but he was 'fearful of being rejected'.

Camilla reunited with and married Andrew Parker Bowles, leaving Charles 'heartbroken'. But later, on 29 July 1981, it appeared he had finally moved on as he exchanged vows with 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer, with Camilla attending.

The reunion