In the interview, which will be shown in full tonight, Camilla talks about how Queen Elizabeth II has carved out her own role for 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,” adds the Queen Consort, as she 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 tribute will be broadcast by the BBC shortly before the national minute’s silence at 8pm. 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 adds: “He’s been a part of our lives forever. I’m 75 now 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.” Remembering the late monarch, Camilla also says: “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. The story continues 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.
