Camilla will talk about how Queen Elizabeth II carved out her own role over many years in the “difficult position” of being a “lone woman” in a male-dominated world. “I can’t remember anyone but the Queen being there,” will add the Queen Consort, who is among the majority of the nation for whom, until now, the Queen was the only British monarch they ever knew or could remember. The Queen Consort’s tribute to her mother-in-law is due to be broadcast on Sunday – the eve of the Queen’s state funeral – on the BBC, just before the national minute’s silence at 8pm. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:11 The royals are meeting in the palace The Queen’s grandchildren stand vigil around her coffin. The funeral will be shown on big screens across the UK – all the latest news, live Camilla will say: “He’s been a part of our lives forever. I am now 75 and can’t remember anyone but the Queen being there. “It must have been so difficult for her, being a lonely woman. “There were no female prime ministers or presidents. She was the only one, so I think she carved out her own role.” Image: The Queen and now Queen Consort Camilla on a visit to Dumfries House in Cumnock together in 2014 Remembering the late monarch, Camilla will add: “She has these beautiful blue eyes, which when she smiles light up her whole face. “I will always remember her smile. That smile is unforgettable.” On the eve of her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022, Queen Elizabeth approved the then Duchess of Cornwall as ‘Queen Consort’ in due course, saying it was her ‘sincere wish’. She called on the public to support both her bride and Charles when he became king. It was a shrewd move by the monarch in her twilight years to put her affairs in order and ensure as smooth a transition as possible. It ended years of debate over what Camilla – Charles’ former lover – would eventually be called. Camilla was blamed for the collapse of the prince’s marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, and faced fierce criticism when news of their relationship emerged. Pictured: King Charles III and his Queen consort at Westminster Hall, London, after the Queen’s death But in the decades since the Welsh’s divorce, Diana’s untimely death in 1997 and Camilla’s admission to The Firm, public sentiment towards the former Mrs Parker Bowles has softened. After marrying Charles in 2005, Camilla very gradually took a more prominent position in the Royal Family, including riding alongside the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee procession in 2012. Was she crowned queen? She also began attending state openings of parliament and became a privy councilor in 2016 ahead of the Queen’s official 90th birthday. The Privy Council is an official body of advisers to the Sovereign of the UK. When fully addressed, she is now referred to as Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla, and is expected to be crowned queen at the king’s coronation. Image: Watch and watch the Queen’s funeral on TV, web and apps on Monday from 9am
