Queen Camilla poses King Charles with a significant issue in his bid to boost the monarchy’s popularity, according to a royal biographer.
In the year since the Queen’s death, state visits from the monarchy have been limited which is hindering their efforts, according to Tom Bower.
The couple are set to visit France this month with President Emmanuel Macron preparing to roll out the red carpet.
Charles had hoped France would be the scene of his first overseas visit since becoming King due to his close relationship with Macron, but the honour soon went to Germany as a result of violent protests in France.
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A royal visit proved impossible as the French made their feelings towards Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age known.
According to Bower, Queen Camilla is unable to travel lengthy distances without feeling a degree of discomfort, which is preventing them from making intercontinental trips to countries like Australia.
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He says this is hindering the royal establishment from projecting their image worldwide at a time when younger people are growing increasingly sceptical.
“Camilla is not the greatest activist, I don’t think she really loves being Queen”, he said.
“I think she knows there is a large residue of Britons who resent her presence there.
“I don’t think she is that healthy, that is something of a drag on Charles himself.
Tom Bower says Camilla 'doesn't see herself as Queen'
PA“She doesn’t want to fly to Australia, she doesn’t want to go to Kenya, she doesn’t want to go beyond Paris or Berlin because she gets jet lagged and all the rest.
“I don’t think she sees herself as a leader and as a monarch and representing values which are important in a leader in the monarch.”
Bower added that Camilla’s main plus point is the fact she makes the King “happy”.
“That isn’t a reason to be Queen though”, he added.
“That is the problem. There is a dynamic between Charles and Camilla that is healthy for them but doesn’t translate into making the Royal Family more healthy, more relevant and more engaged than it is at the moment.
“There will be a moment when the monarchy will have to step up and engage with the public rather than just go to the Highland Games.”
The couple led the nation in commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death.
Charles and Camilla attended the Scottish church where the late Queen worshipped for a poignant event where private prayers were said and a moment of reflection observed for the nation’s longest-serving monarch.
