Camilla’s journey as Queen has been a transformative one. While her early years in the Royal Family were marked by public scrutiny, particularly due to her past relationship with King Charles while he was still married to Princess Diana, her popularity has grown steadily over time. Despite the challenges that arose after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis in 2024, which required him to step back from many duties, Camilla stepped up in his place, assuming a more significant role within the monarchy. This shift in responsibilities, coupled with her growing connection to the public, has made her a key figure in the Royal Family, especially as the country faces uncertain times.
Camilla’s Bond with Her Grandchildren
Among her many responsibilities, spending time with her family—particularly her grandchildren—is of great importance to Queen Camilla. She has five grandchildren: Lola and Freddy, the children of her son Tom Parker Bowles, and Eliza, Louis, and Gus, the children of her daughter Laura Lopes. Camilla has a strong bond with them and cherishes the time they spend together, whether it’s through simple activities like playing Wordle or babysitting. She fondly recalls how she would spoil them with treats that their parents might restrict, all while enjoying their innocent moments of childhood.
However, as her grandchildren grow older, Camilla has had to come to terms with the changes that come with it. Her realization that the carefree years of childhood are slipping away has been bittersweet. She has mentioned how it’s “rather frightening” to see her granddaughters experimenting with makeup, pierced ears, and new fashion trends. This shift marks the end of an era for Camilla, but it also highlights the natural course of time and the evolving relationships within families.
Camilla’s Role with the Cambridge Children
While Queen Camilla may not be the biological grandmother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, or Prince Louis, she has developed a strong and supportive relationship with them as their step-grandmother. Though she is mindful of her role and respects the boundaries set by King Charles and his children, she’s still an integral part of their lives. Camilla has always been careful not to overstep, preferring instead to support the family and maintain her own relationship with her grandchildren.
Prince William, in particular, has made it clear that while Camilla may not be their “step-grandmother” in the traditional sense, she has still assumed a maternal role, adding to the loving circle around his children. This distinction, however, doesn’t diminish Camilla’s place in their lives. She shares in their joy, watches over them during royal events, and remains a constant figure of affection for all her grandchildren, biological and not.
Navigating the Role of Stepmother
Becoming a stepmother to Prince William and Prince Harry after their mother’s tragic death in 1997 was undoubtedly a complex situation for Camilla. While she was already deeply involved with King Charles by the time she married him, her role as a stepmother was far from straightforward. Raising two young men who had lost their mother in such a painful way would be challenging for anyone, but Camilla took on the responsibility with grace. Instead of trying to replace their mother, Camilla focused on being a supportive, understanding figure in their lives.
This approach helped her navigate the rocky beginnings of her relationship with William and Harry, and over the years, she built a relationship based on mutual respect rather than trying to fill the shoes of the late Princess Diana. Despite the public scrutiny that often surrounded her, Camilla’s calm demeanor and affectionate bond with her stepchildren has been a testament to her patience and understanding.
A Balanced Grandmother Role
Camilla’s position as a grandmother extends beyond her own grandchildren. As she assumes a step-grandmother role to King Charles’ grandchildren, she knows how to respect the existing family dynamics. This balance is particularly evident when it comes to the Cambridge children. Camilla has always understood the importance of maintaining boundaries, particularly with Prince William’s children, whose biological grandparents, Carole and Michael Middleton, play an active role in their lives. Camilla, therefore, has refrained from stepping into the role of a full-time grandmother for George, Charlotte, and Louis. Instead, she acts as a loving and supportive figure, enjoying her time with them when the opportunity arises.
Her calm, hands-off approach has been key in fostering these relationships, and it has ensured that her position within the Royal Family remains both harmonious and respectful. While she does not seek to overtake the parental roles, she continues to offer a steady, loving presence in the lives of all her grandchildren, demonstrating the importance of balance and respect in family relationships.
In sum, Queen Camilla’s journey as both a mother and grandmother has been one marked by dedication, adaptability, and love. She navigates her family relationships with care, always prioritizing harmony and respect, while embracing the joy that comes with being a grandmother. Through her quiet influence and unwavering support, Camilla has carved out a meaningful place in the hearts of her grandchildren, both biological and step, proving that family ties, no matter how they form, are built on love and understanding.
