Queen Camilla didn’t take the “back seat” as she used to during the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, 2024. Instead, she showcased a newfound confidence and authority alongside King Charles III, signaling a significant shift in their relationship dynamics.
Body language expert Judi James observed this evolution, noting that the royal couple exhibited a role reversal at the event in London, England. “The body language between Charles and Camilla has evolved and changed a little since his illness and that change was reflected here today,” James told Mirror.
In a February 5, 2024, announcement, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, with ongoing treatment, alongside the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who also shared her diagnosis.
Historically, Queen Camilla, who turned 77 on the same day as the ceremony, would remain in the background during formal occasions. However, this time, she exuded a more commanding presence. “Camilla used to tend to take a backseat role on formal occasions, often looking riddled with signals of inner anxiety and taking her cues from her husband’s behavior and movements,” James explained, via Daily Record.
“Now, though, she seems to have grown in terms of an air of confidence, authority, and an ability to take a lead at times. She appeared here to be quite happy to greet the crowds with her own royal waves rather than waiting for Charles to wave first, then mirroring him.”
James noted a marked difference in King Charles’s demeanor, describing him as exhibiting “micro signals of inner anxiety,” such as “sucking his lips in after his first announcement and fiddling with his robes after he sat down.” In stark contrast, Queen Camilla remained composed and calm, not fidgeting and maintaining a steady posture, which projected a “calm solidity.”
Queen Camilla’s occasional glances at King Charles throughout the ceremony suggested “concern for him rather than announcing her own inner anxiety.” She appeared “quietly determined to ensure he doesn’t overdo things.”
Despite her new, more assertive role, King Charles retained his authoritative presence during the ceremonial proceedings. James pointed out that he still directed the choreography of the event, signaling to Queen Camilla to move ahead of him. “His right hand flapped a little to show Camilla she should walk down the steps first,” James noted. “And as he passed her on the way out, he fondly touched her hip with one hand to remind her he was going round past her to take the lead.”
This shift in dynamics, marked by Queen Camilla’s increased confidence and King Charles’s subtle reliance on her support, highlights the evolving nature of their partnership in the face of recent challenges.