- Princess Anne and Queen Camilla had a tense and awkward relationship for years, partly due to a shocking romantic history.
- Someone with ties to the royal family once revealed the harsh words Princess Anne reportedly said to Queen Camilla after she took the throne, leading to a “big showdown.”
- As time passed, their relationship took an unexpected turn.
For years, the relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla was clouded by tension, rooted in a complicated history that included shared romantic ties and clashing personalities.
Queen Camilla and Princess Anne at the “Prom at the Palace” concert, as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, on June 1, 2002, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The friction peaked when sources revealed the blunt and cutting words Princess Anne reportedly directed at Queen Camilla after she became queen, sparking what was described as an “emotionally charged” situation. However, time had an interesting way of mending their strained relationship.
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla at a Thanksgiving service for the life of King Constantine of the Hellenes, at St. George’s Chapel on February 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla and Princess Anne’s Strained Relationship
The relationship between Queen Camilla and Princess Anne was fraught with tension for many years, shaped by past romantic entanglements and a clash of personalities.
Author Angela Levin claimed in her book “Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: From Outcast to Future Queen Consort” that the relationship between the two women took a long time to warm up.
Queen Camilla and Princess Anne at the Show Jumping Eventing Equestrian on day four of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 31 in England. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Anne, known for her no-nonsense approach, reportedly found it difficult to warm up to Queen Camilla when she first entered the royal fold. The initial friction between the two women stemmed from various factors.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace on June 5, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
This included their shared history with Princess Anne’s former love interest, Andrew Parker Bowles, who later became Queen Camilla’s first husband. In the 1970s, long before Queen Camilla’s relationship with King Charles III became public, Princess Anne was romantically linked to Parker Bowles.
Princess Anne, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla on day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 19, 2018, in Ascot, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their strong connection, the possibility of marriage was ruled out due to his Catholic faith — a significant issue for a member of the Royal Family, given that the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
This romantic history added a layer of complexity to Princess Anne’s view of Queen Camilla when she eventually became a central figure in King Charles III’s life. Their shared past with Parker Bowles introduced an awkward dynamic that made it difficult for the two women to develop a comfortable relationship.
Princess Anne, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 15, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
From the beginning, Princess Anne reportedly kept her distance, giving Queen Camilla the cold shoulder as she became more prominent in royal events. This frosty demeanor was unsettling for the Queen, who found it difficult to navigate Princess Anne’s straightforward and often aloof personality.
While many who had encountered the Princess Royal over the years recognized her serious nature, Queen Camilla struggled to break through the icy reception, leaving her uneasy in her interactions with the Princess Royal.
Princess Anne, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla arriving at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 11, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
This tension wasn’t limited to Queen Camilla. Princess Anne was known to keep her distance from other women who entered the royal family, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.
Both Princess Diana and the Duchess of York found themselves on the receiving end of Princess Anne’s cold indifference, signaling that her approach to newcomers was often guided by caution and reservation.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, and Princess Anne during the Platinum Party at the Palace in front of Buckingham Palace on June 4, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Anne’s Scandalous Remark and Brutal Prediction About Queen Camilla’s Future
When Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, it marked a monumental shift in the British monarchy. The crown immediately passed to King Charles III, making him the nation’s new monarch.
As his wife, Queen Camilla automatically assumed the title of Queen Consort. Their official coronation occurred on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. Queen Camilla was crowned alongside her husband, signaling a major milestone in her journey from royal outsider to central figure within the monarchy.
However, the transition wasn’t without controversy, particularly from within the royal family. For years, reports suggested that Princess Anne had strong reservations about Queen Camilla’s future role. Allegedly, Princess Anne was deeply opposed to the idea of Queen Camilla holding the esteemed title of Queen.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, and Princess Anne at the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
She reportedly went so far as to predict that Queen Camilla would never be seen as a “true queen.” In May 2023, David Emanuel, the designer behind Princess Diana’s iconic wedding gown, revealed shocking details about a confrontation between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne paying their respects in the Palace of Westminster during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
According to Emanuel, tensions came to a head during a dinner held after the coronation. At this event, Princess Anne reportedly challenged Queen Camilla’s decision to drop “Consort” from her title and refer to herself simply as “Queen.”
Emanuel reported that Queen Camilla initially requested to be referred to as Queen Consort. However, she “suddenly” started going by Queen. Though the change was officially sanctioned, it did not sit well with some within royal circles.
Queen Camilla and Princess Anne at the Braemar Highland Gathering on September 3, 2022, in Braemar, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
Emanuel claimed that the situation was “very difficult” as “a lot of people” told him that they were unhappy with the shift. Emanuel then revealed that a fast-spreading story from various sources was that during the coronation dinner, Princess Anne allegedly made her feelings on the matter very clear.
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, at the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St. George’s Chapel on April 9, 2023, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
According to Emanuel, the Princess Royal bluntly said to Queen Camilla, “You’re not Queen; you’re the Queen’s Consort,” leading to a “big showdown.” Emanuel shockingly revealed that the situation was “emotionally charged” and that there was “a lot of stuff” happening at the time.
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla’s Relationship Now
Over time, the icy relationship between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla gradually thawed, with both women finding common ground in their shared commitment to the monarchy.
While their early years were marked by tension and distance, the passage of time and shared responsibilities within the royal family played a significant role in softening Princess Anne’s stance.
Princess Anne, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at The Braemar Gathering 2023 on September 2, in Braemar, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
According to royal experts, Princess Anne’s initial skepticism gradually turned into respect as she observed how hard the Queen worked to fulfill her royal duties. Queen Camilla’s dedication to supporting King Charles III and the monarchy eventually won over Princess Anne, leading to a more cooperative relationship.
Princess Anne and Queen Camilla leaving the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St. George’s Chapel on February 27, 2024, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Both Princess Anne and Queen Camilla are known for their resilience and commitment to the roles they’ve carved out within the royal family. When King Charles III and Kate, Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis became public in 2024, it led them to temporarily step back from some of their royal duties.
King Charles III and Kate, Princess of Wales, during Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
In their absence, Queen Camilla took on a more prominent role, demonstrating her resilience and devotion. The Queen’s willingness to shoulder additional responsibilities reflected her deep commitment to supporting her husband during this difficult time.
This was a trait Princess Anne couldn’t ignore. As Queen Camilla rose to the occasion, Princess Anne, too, stepped up in her role as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.
Princess Anne, long celebrated for her tireless work ethic, has always been a reliable presence within the royal household. Known for her quick wit and no-nonsense approach, she has consistently proven her loyalty to the crown, even as her role within the family evolved.
The period following the death of Queen Elizabeth II was particularly challenging for the royal family as they navigated personal grief alongside increased responsibilities.
While King Charles III’s destiny as monarch was always clear, Princess Anne’s role became more defined in the aftermath of her mother’s passing. She took on a pivotal position within the family’s public image and internal structure.
As concerns over His Majesty’s health grew, so did the Princess Royal’s importance within the royal framework. She proved to be a steady and discreet supporter of her brother, helping ensure stability during uncertain times.
Her deep understanding of King Charles III’s upbringing and personality, combined with her unwavering desire for his success, made her an indispensable ally during this period.
Princess Anne during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Wesley Kerr OBE revealed, “She is the person The King has known longest. Anne is wise, intelligent, incredibly plugged into the modern United Kingdom.”
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II holding their children, King Charles III, and Princess Anne, circa 1951. | Source: Getty Images
“She understands completely who and what has shaped him and is eager for him to succeed: for the sake of their beloved mum and dad and the country and Commonwealth. In other words, she has the perfect perspective and characteristics to shoulder some of the King’s responsibility at this time,” he continued.
King Charles III and Princess Anne during the Trooping of the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 17, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
While Queen Camilla took on a more public-facing role, Princess Anne remained a constant presence, balancing the dual responsibilities of supporting her brother personally while fulfilling her public duties with characteristic efficiency.
Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence leaving the Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England, on February 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In recent months, Princess Anne’s dedication to her duties was on display. In early August, ahead of her 74th birthday, the Princess Royal attended the 2024 Paris Olympics and presented medals.
During her time in Paris and Marseille, Princess Anne saw a range of sports competitions, including rugby sevens, swimming, rowing, and more. Princess Anne serves as the President of the British Olympic Association and has had a longstanding relationship with the Games.
The Princess Royal’s attendance at the Games reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to her royal responsibilities, as it followed a brief hospitalization. She received treatment following an accident at her home.
The Princess Royal was taken to the hospital after sustaining a minor head injury and concussion, reportedly caused by a horse at her Gloucestershire estate.
Princess Anne seen horse riding in the grounds of Windsor Castle on April 22, 2006, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The gradual warming of relations between Princess Anne and Queen Camilla serves as a testament to how time, shared duty, and mutual respect can bridge even significant divides.
While their early years together were fraught with tension, the two women eventually came to appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions to the monarchy.
