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

• Queen Consort 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.
• The pair had many similarities and eventually warmed up to one another.

According to Christopher Andersen's book, "Game of Crowns: Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne," Queen Consort Camilla had a lot of influence on her husband, King Charles, then 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 former 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. Kate's mother, Carole, was also 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 former Duchess of Cornwall reportedly believed 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 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 separated briefly after being together for six years.

According to Andersen's book, Camilla thought the separation was "wise" at the time. 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 Camilla 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 advice because it was impossible due to William's diary being "unfit-roundable." Charles' wife was so focused on the couple that she found a way to involve herself on their 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 this about the little girl:

"I was so proud of her."

Eliza is Camilla's granddaughter, Laura Lopes' child. Charles' wife explained at a charity event after the wedding that she worried that Eliza and the other flower girls and page boys would be 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 monograms. One side sported 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 wore it often.

She was first seen wearing it 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. Camilla ended up bonding with William's bride due to their similarities.

When Charles became the King of England, his wife and daughter-in-law, Kate, earned more important roles within the Royal Family. Camilla became Queen Consort, and William's wife became the 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 author of "The Palace Papers" said both former Duchesses had "stoicism."

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

Regarding Kate, Tina shared how the royal had never leaked anything indiscreet. Also, the former Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen Consort were known for being very close to their families.

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

They 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 a kiss was an "add-on gesture."

Judi 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 pair rode in a horse-drawn carriage. The duo also joined the Queen at a reception with volunteers participating in the Big Jubilee Lunch. Kate and Camilla have also been spotted wearing on-theme looks, with shades of blue, at different events, with the color being the Queen's favorite.