Camilla-rious! How the kindhearted and compassionate Duchess of Cornwall captured the hearts of the nation at last

By Deborah Arthurs


Heir-larious: Camilla and Charles share a not-so-private joke (or has Camilla just broken wind?) RIGHT: Delighted: The Duchess has a constant smile playing on her lips

She captured the heart of the Prince of Wales, dominating his affections such that Diana complained there were three people in her marriage. But for all Charles's affection, the Duchess of Cornwall had a much harder job winning over the British people.

Having been implicated in the breakdown of Diana and Charles' marriage, Camilla was not well liked by the population, many of whom had been loyal Diana fans. Charles and Camilla's marriage in 2005 did nothing to curry favour. In fact, the situation worsened, as reports of Charles's profligate spending on his new wife only won her more detractors, and many declared they would never accept her as Queen.

Unfazed, Camilla went about her new duties in a discreet and dignified manner, supporting Charles in his role with her natural kindness and compassion. Her approach has worked. Gradually, even the most curmudgeonly of Brits has come to realise that Camilla seems to be a jolly good egg.

Warmhearted and in possession of a killer sense of humour, there is always an easy smile playing on the Duchess of Cornwall's lips, and she will often have Charles in fits of laughter. She gets stuck in on public engagements - dancing, trying on hats, sunglasses and jewellery, affectionately greeting clearly delighted children. Her involvement in charity work is tireless.

The people who meet her seem to fall for her immediately. Slowly, the British public has too. Here we look at the moments that helped us fall in love with Camilla.


The Duchess and the polyp: The Duchess of Cornwall is as at ease shaking hands with a child dressed as a reef polyp on a visit to Tobago as she is with the Queen. RIGHT: Charles and Camilla get the giggles... again




Corps blimey! Camilla gets up close and personal with an Apache helicopter crew member. RIGHT: Camilla gets to grips with dance steps courtesy of Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood


Nice nose! Camilla's nose is a source of great interest to the babies she meets - and the kindhearted Duchess allows them full access


At ease: Having broken her leg, Duchess of Cornwall takes to a mobility scooter to present Afghanistan campaign medals to soldiers of 4th Battalion The Rifles at Bulford Camp, Wilts last year


Who are you calling horsey? Camilla inspects the teeth of a new pal at a London horse show. RIGHT: Don't mess with the Duchess! Camilla lets Charles know who is boss at a party thrown for her 60th birthday



Supporting role: A gust of wind reveals Camilla's pop socks - but one imagines Camilla wouldn't give a hoot. RIGHT: Compassionate: The Duchess is a hit with children

Good sport: Camilla holds up a bag she was given as a gift after a visit to the 999 club in Deptford, a charity that supports the homeless. RIGHT: Army rations: The Duchess - an honorary Air Commodore - has a nibble of the food on offer at RAF Halton

PICTURE RESEARCH: CLAIRE CISOTTI



source:dailymail