A new documentary, Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother, was broadcast on Sunday evening in the UK and has sparked a lot of discussion. Many people feel it portrays Queen Camilla unfairly, with some Royal experts saying it focuses too much on Prince Harry’s opinions.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, speaking on GBM Royal, said the documentary leaned heavily on what Prince Harry said in his book Spare and in various interviews. “Harry’s words don’t always match up,” she explained. “In one interview, he called Camilla the ‘wicked stepmother,’ but in another, he said he didn’t see her that way.”
Schofield and her co-host, Cameron Walker, suggested that Prince Harry’s comments might have been aimed at an American audience. “In America, many people still see Camilla as ‘the other woman’ who played a part in the breakup of Princess Diana’s marriage,” Schofield said. “Americans loved Diana, and some find it hard to accept Camilla as Queen.”
The documentary also explored claims that Camilla worked hard to change her public image over the years. However, Schofield believes Camilla wasn’t interested in playing those kinds of media games. “She supported King Charles and allowed him to shine. She never wanted to manipulate the media or compete with Diana.”
The timing of the documentary has also been criticized. It comes at a difficult time for Queen Camilla, who has recently been unwell and is grieving the loss of her beloved pet dog, Beth. “This year has been especially hard for her,” Schofield said. “We should show some empathy for what the Royal Family is going through.”
Walker added that the documentary might appeal to people in the United States who already dislike Queen Camilla, but it may not change the minds of people in the UK who have grown to respect her. “If you’ve followed the Royal Family closely, you’ve probably seen how Camilla has taken on her role with dignity over the years.”
One of the biggest questions raised by the documentary is whether Prince Harry can ever accept King Charles and Camilla’s relationship. Schofield suggested that Harry and his father might have more in common than he realizes. “Both of them have faced a lot of public criticism, but Harry seems too hurt to see that right now.”
The documentary also touches on Prince Harry’s accusations against Camilla, including claims that she leaked stories about him to the media. However, the experts noted that some of these accusations may come from Harry’s emotional pain and frustration. “Harry loved his mother, Princess Diana, deeply, and she will always be the Queen of Hearts to him,” said Schofield.
Megan Markle’s influence on Harry’s views was also discussed. Schofield said, “Megan might not know the full history of the Royal Family. She has likely heard only Harry’s side of the story, and her priority is to support her husband.”
Despite the controversy, Schofield sees a larger story at play. “In the end, Camilla and King Charles’s love story might be remembered as a great romance. They overcame a lot of obstacles to be together, even though many people didn’t approve.”
The documentary, while stirring up debate, has left viewers divided. Some see it as unfair to Queen Camilla, while others feel it highlights important truths. Either way, it has reignited conversations about the Royal Family and the challenges they face in the public eye.
