Camilla Parker Bowles is opening up about how her life was at the height of her unpopularity back in the 1990s. She was the "other woman" who threatened Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage long before the royal couple officially divorced. Once the Prince and Princess of Wales finally parted ways in 1996, there was a massive PR effort to make the public accept Camilla, but it ceased when news of Diana's death shocked the world in 1997. Charles' mistress had no choice but to lay low until Britain and the world grieved for the People's Princess.
Camilla rode out the storm
Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005 and the public has since warmed up to them as a couple. Many still hold a grudge against Camilla -- blaming her for the breakup of Diana's marriage. As the late princess declared in her now infamous interview, there was "three of us in the marriage" and it "was a bit crowded."
Camilla said she stayed at home for an entire year after Diana's death, reading every book she wanted and learned to paint. The duchess reveals to Daily Mail that she felt like a prisoner in her own home with the paparazzi camped outside her doorstep. The 69-year-old describes it as being a "deeply unpleasant time and I wouldn’t want to put my worst enemy through it."
Camilla explains that she was brought up in a happy family, which contributed to her handling the negative press as well as she did.
In spite of it all, she remained steadfast and committed to the man she loved. She was rewarded by eventually marrying Charles and gaining acceptance by the queen.
Camilla always present in Charles and Diana's marriage
It's been widely reported that Camilla was the love of Charles' life and that Diana was aware of their real feelings on her wedding day.
Camilla was even present at their wedding ceremony inside St. Paul's Cathedral in July 1981. In the end, Diana's nuptials to Charles would dissolve and the prince would be with the woman he loved.
Camilla Parker Bowles upholds a demanding schedule of carrying out over 200 royal engagements a year. There are days she's not sure she can manage it, but she forces herself to pull through it.
Charles's wife is still heavily scrutinized and judged for every move she makes, but insists she has a great sense of humor. She says if you can't laugh at yourself, you "may as well give up."
Royal members speaking out on anniversary year of Diana's death
This is Camilla Parker Bowles' first interview about the scandals that have engulfed her life since entering the royal fold. 2017 marks the twentieth anniversary of Princess Diana's death. Several members of the royal family are sharing what transpired as a result of Diana's death. Princes William and Harry have also opened up about the overwhelming sadness they experienced when they learned of their mother's death.
