Game of Crowns: Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne (36 page)

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The great-granddaughter of Edward VII’s mistress, Camilla prided herself in carrying on the family tradition. When her prince was unavailable, Camilla ran errands, smoked by the pool, and—in true aristocratic fashion—rode to the hounds.

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Diana’s death in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997, shocked the world and nearly toppled the monarchy. Stunned, the Queen took to the airwaves in an attempt to win back her subjects.

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After two years as the most hated woman in Britain, Camilla made her first public appearance with Charles at London’s Ritz Hotel in 1999.

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It was another year before the Queen, whose holographic image loomed large at an art gallery visited by Charles, finally agreed to meet her son’s mistress.

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Grandeur at Windsor. On December 19, 2004, the Queen (standing center left at the table) hosted one of the several state banquets held at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace each year. This one was to honor French president Jacques Chirac.

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The Queen seems to be having problems with the ostrich feathers in Camilla’s hat as the newlyweds leave St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. At the time, 93 percent of the public opposed Camilla’s becoming queen, and Charles promised she wouldn’t be. He has since reneged.

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After a polo match, Prince William gives his new stepmother a kiss. Despite the grief she caused Diana, both William and Harry embraced Camilla as the love of their father’s life.

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Touring India in March of 2006, Camilla sat on a throne to watch the Rajasthan Parade in Jaipur. She nearly collapsed twice from the heat.

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Camilla, Prince Philip (left), and the Queen were in high spirits at a Buckingham Palace banquet honoring Norway’s King Harald V.

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Kate Middleton got William’s attention modeling lingerie in a St. Andrews University fashion show in 2001, but they broke up six years later.

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“Waity Katie” hit the London clubs, joined an all-women rowing team, and acted as if she just didn’t care. The strategy worked.