On the eve of her birthday, Queen Camilla made history by being appointed as the UK's new Vice Admiral. The prestigious honour was celebrated with a ceremony on board the submarine HMS Astute in Plymouth. Queen Camilla is the first woman to hold the rank in the navy, a feat that not even Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth II have achieved. The title, first created by King Henry VIII in 1513, symbolises a deeper connection between the monarchy and the Royal Navy.
As we delve deeper into the royal couple’s relationship, it becomes clear that King Charles has planned to give his wife a special gift.
Former butler Grant Harold speculates that Charles will likely choose something practical, perhaps a piece of jewellery from the late Queen Elizabeth’s collection. The thoughtful gesture reflects the King’s affection for Camilla.
While the title of Vice Admiral does not come with combat duties, it does strengthen the bond between the Royal Family and the Royal Navy. This acknowledges the long list of official titles held by Queen Camilla, underlining her role as a representative of the Royal Family. In a bold move, King Charles issued a royal warrant allowing Camilla to be known simply as Queen Camilla, dropping the word “viceroy” from her title.
The decision underlines Charles’ commitment to establishing Camilla’s prominent role within the monarchy, especially as she has supported him through his health struggles. Buckingham Palace has released a charming new portrait of Queen Camilla, taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson. The portrait shows Camilla smiling warmly in the garden of her private residence, Ray Mill House. The peaceful setting has been her sanctuary since buying the property in 1996.
On her birthday, the royal surprised fans with another fun photo, showing Camilla in a teal patterned outfit, holding a book outside. A snap with her rescue dog Moly added a personal touch to the occasion. Camilla's birthday was marked with traditional ceremonies, including the ringing of Westminster Abbey bells and gun salutes heard across London.
Amid the festivities, a mysterious Instagram story from Meghan drew attention, leading many to speculate whether it was a subtle tribute to Camilla. Charles' health journey has been closely followed, with emotional moments captured during public engagements. His resilience and determination shined through as he continued to fulfil his royal duties despite personal challenges.