If Camilla Parker-Bowles thought she was going to get the last laugh with the publication of a new biography that paints a rosy picture of her love for Charles, and portrays the late Princess Diana in a less-than-flattering light, it seems she was mistaken.
Respected royal journalist Penny Junor’s new book on Camilla – which is being perceived as semi-authorised because it includes many interviews with Camilla’s close friends – has been slated in London’s prestigious Sunday Times as being hugely destructive to the image of the monarchy.
‘The book is almost as damaging to the royals as Jonathan Dimbleby’s equally well-intentioned 1994 documentary in which the prince admitted to adultery,’ writes columnist Sarah Baxter.
‘The surprise is that a book designed to prepare the ground sympathetically for the future “Queen Camilla” should leave the overriding impression that the monarchy is a horrible institution.’
Damningly describing the book as depicting an ‘upper-class world of casual affairs and betrayal to which Camilla Parker Bowles belonged,’ the Times piece blisteringly notes that instead of making over the Duchess’ image, the book instead ‘confirms Diana’s own view that she was a “sacrificial lamb” at the royal altar.
‘We’re told the virginal young bride received Camilla’s personal seal of approval after she was befriended under false circumstances by her.’
Perceived attempts in the book to portray Diana as hysterical and unreasonable, breaking down over ‘no apparent reason’, haven’t done Camilla any favours either, with Baxter noting that Diana was often a mess because of the clear reality that Charles didn’t love her, but was still totally obsessed with his ex.
The Times column notes that instead of rehabilitating Camilla, the book just leaves the reader asking, ‘who can blame Diana for becoming a nervous wreck? And since Charles was himself the product of a difficult upbringing, it suggests the whole “firm” has some explaining to do.’
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