Queen Camilla’s nickname may have attracted the wrath of King Charles, but according to friends she “always saw the funny side, even if the then Prince Charles did not”.
Her friends affectionately named her ‘Lorraine’, inspired by the French word for Queen, la Reine, with the revelation being made in Robert Hardman’s latest royal book Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story.
Back in the days before it was even considered she could become Queen, Camilla was given the moniker, and even now she finds it hard to adjust to her new status.
Her sister Annabel Elliot said: “I find it very hard to curtsey to her. And call her “Your Majesty”? That I can’t do.”
However Camilla’s importance is recognised in royal circles as she is the only one who knows how to soothe the King when he gets upset or frustrated.
Mr Hardman said: “Now, people are worried about upsetting the King. They know he can get very cross about quite minor things and they have yet to find out how he will react in certain situations. At the same time, they know that Queen Camilla is a strong voice of common sense in that regard.”
The King’s old university friend, Lord Chartres, added: “That’s one of the reasons why Queen Camilla is so marvellous. She can be robust in her views and that allows him to relax. When things go wrong and you have to keep being nice, you need an intimate who can talk you down.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reportedly found the Queen so hilarious when he paid the royals a visit at Balmoral, he feared he might end up breaking royal protocol.
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