Camilla 'Resented Being Eclipsed' by Kate & Looked Down Her Nose at the Middletons, Book Claims

Duchess Camilla initially didn't appreciate having someone new join the Royal Family when Prince William brought Kate Middleton in. She was so against Kate that she didn't like her family, but that changed.

According to Christopher Andersen's book, "Game of Crowns: Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne," Duchess Camilla had a lot of influence on her husband, Prince Charles. Dickie Arbiter, a royal press secretary, said Camilla's opinion mattered to Charles more than anyone.

When his son started dating Kate Middleton, Charles became quite fond of her. However, it wasn't clear if Kate's family would be suitable in-laws, and Camilla's outlook on the issue was taken into significant consideration.

A St. James's Palace staff member stated that the Duchess of Cornwall "was looking down her nose at the Middletons." It was speculated that Camilla was threatened by Kate or the team she would make with William if they married.

A few months after William got back together with Kate after a brief breakup, the latter's brother was exposed for his sexually suggestive photos that were posted online. Then Carole, Kate's mother, was called out for using her daughter's royal affiliations for her gain.

The parent tried to sell princess-themed dolls, tiaras, and more on a website. Over three years, Camilla and her people allegedly heard about Kate's uncle, Gary Goldsmith, who had tattoos, used illegal substances, and swore like a sailor.

The Royals weren't sure that Kate would be an excellent partner to the man who was meant to be king one day. Camilla reportedly brought all the evidence to her husband, but he didn't take any action.

Charles's wife allegedly also thought Kate herself was "pretty, but rather dim." The Duchess of Cornwall reportedly thought Kate and the Middletons were "too lowly" to have ties with and marry into the Royal Family.

Camilla was also jealous of all the attention that Kate was getting long before marrying into the family. She allegedly "resented being eclipsed by a beautiful young woman like Kate Middleton."

Charles's wife was apparently so passionate about keeping Kate out of the Royal Family that she asked her husband to convince his son to break up with his girlfriend. In March 2007, the couple did separate briefly after being together for six years.

According to Andersen's book, at the time, Camilla thought the separation was "wise." However, William's love for Kate was more potent than whatever had separated them, and by October 2007, the relationship was back on.

Eventually, it seemed the Duchess of Cornwall settled herself into the idea that the couple would be together no matter what, and she was set to be Kate's mother-in-law. Robert Lacey, a royal author of "Battle of Brothers," said:

"Camilla had confided to Kate the secret of hanging on to a busy prince: fit your timetable - well, basically your whole life - around his."

However, Kate struggled to follow the wise words because it was possible due to William's diary being "unfit-roundable." The Prince of Wale's wife was so focused on the couple that she found a way to involve herself in their wedding day uniquely.

CAMILLA WAS WORRIED ABOUT WILLIAM AND KATE'S WEDDING DAY

After finally proposing to his girlfriend, William and Kate were set to marry in April 2011. Ahead of the day, Camilla was "so worried" about the bridal party because it included her granddaughter, Eliza Lopes, then-3, with Charles's wife later saying:

"I was so proud of her."

Eliza was Camilla's daughter Laura Lopes' child. The Duchess of Cornwall explained after the wedding at a charity event that she worried that Eliza and the other flower girls and page boys would find themselves overwhelmed.

Laura's daughter managed to handle the Westminster Abbey wedding ceremony with nearly 2,000 guests. However, while taking a carriage ride afterward, she was startled by noisy crowds who came to the celebration.

William's best man and younger brother, Prince Harry, acted quickly by pulling out a neon pink toy worm from his pocket. The "wiggly worm" worked so well that Eliza refused to hand it back, and it was there in her hand during the official photographs!

However, Camilla did try to make amends and build a bond with her new daughter-in-law by giving her a unique wedding gift. Ainhoa Barcelona, a journalist for Hello!, said she gave Kate a gold link charm bracelet.

The bracelet featured a disc engraved with both of their monograms, with one side sporting a "C" for Catherine and a coronet and the other a "C" for Camilla and a crown. Kate loved the present so much that she made sure to wear it often!

The first time she was seen wearing it was in June 2011 during a visit to Windsor with William. The second time she wore it again was when she stepped out two days later for a polo match in July 2011.

THE SIMILARITIES AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CAMILLA AND KATE NOW

When Charles became the King of England, his wife and daughter-in-law, Kate, were set to have more important roles within the Royal Family. Camilla would become Queen Consort, and William's wife would be Princess of Wales.

According to Tina Brown, a royal expert, the two women allegedly shared one trait that led to their success in the Royal Family. "The Palace Papers" author said both Duchesses had "stoicism."

Brown also noted that they could "act discreetly," allowing them to transition into full-time working royals seamlessly. The expert said Camilla never complained, never leaked anything, and always toughed it out.

Regarding Kate, Brown shared how she'd never leaked anything indiscreet. Also, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall were known for being very close to their families.

In March 2022, it was revealed that Camilla and Kate got together to celebrate World Book Day jointly. The Duchess of Cornwall launched The Reading Room, a special children's section with five children's book recommendations from Kate.

[Duchess] Kate and [Duchess] Camilla have also been sported wearing on-theme looks, with shades of blue, at different events, with the color being the Queen's favorite.

On March 14, 2022, royal members attended Westminster Abbey for a particular service marking Commonwealth Day. Also attending were Charles and his wife and William and his spouse, who greeted each other outside before walking in together.

The stepmother and stepdaughter greeted each other with smiles and kisses on the cheeks before having a brief talk. Judi James, a body language expert, said Kate placing her arm on Camilla's shoulder while planting her kiss was an "add-on gesture."

James shared how it "suggest[ed] closeness and affection," and when Kate crouched down to reach her stepmother's height, it was an "act of inconvenience to show respect."

The gestures allegedly showed Camilla and the world that Kate was close and affectionate with the woman who would ascend the throne before her. For June 2022's Platinum Jubilee, the two duchesses rode side-by-side in a horse-drawn carriage.

The pair also joined the Queen at a reception with volunteers taking part in the Big Jubilee Lunch. Kate and Camilla have also been sported wearing on-theme looks, with shades of blue, at different events, with the color being the Queen's favorite.