In the tumultuous few days following Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, Camilla reportedly had several emotional moments with mourning members of the public.
The family felt it necessary, in this time of immense national grief, to connect with ordinary people and share in their emotions, fulfilling their unifying role as part of the monarchy.
According to reports from royal expert Robert Hardman, writing for the Daily Mail, it was during these public appearances that Queen Camilla had poignant moments with onlookers.
Reportedly, as the royal car made the journey from RAF Northolt – where their flight from Scotland had landed that morning – into Central London, Camilla had an emotional response to the sight of loyal citizens lining the streets and showing their support for the anguished Royal Family.
In a moment that touched both the Queen and the staff accompanying her, members of the public saluted and “shouted ‘God save the king’” as the royal car passed.
As per Mr Hardman’s report, a member of the royal entourage present said: “’Usually when they see a Royal, people gawp or gasp or nudge each other.”
“This time, they were bowing. The Queen was very touched by the sight of a vicar standing by the side of the road shouting: ‘God save the King!’ One or two saluted.”
Another emotional connection came when the new King and Queen arrived at Buckingham Palace, at King Charles’ request, where they were met by grieving crowds numbering thousands.
The royal couple made a beeline for the weeping bystanders, eager to greet them.
Queen Camilla reportedly discussed these interactions, and the degree to which they’d struck her, with friends later on.
Displays of “people spontaneously bursting into the National Anthem” affected her in a deeply emotional way, Mr Hardman reports.
One particular moment imbued with a heady mixture of both joy and sorrow occurred when a member of the public took Queen Camilla’s hand.
She told Camilla: “Look after him for us,” imploring the new Queen to support her husband during this emotional maelstrom.
Overcome with tears, Camilla responded: “I will. I promise”
