Crowning Glory or Marital Misery? Queen Camilla's 'Marriage Advice' to Kate Middleton Met With Raised Eyebrows and 'Ironic Smirks'

Queen Camilla, 77, once offered sage advice to Kate, Princess of Wales, 42, on sustaining a harmonious marriage within the monarchy.

Their bond, though not widely publicized, has reportedly been instrumental in guiding the future queen through the unique challenges of royal life. However, when it comes to nuptials, one royal insider cheekily dished, "I can only imagine royal staff's ironic smirks when they heard about this."

Camilla's journey into the royal family began in 1970 when she captivated the then-Prince Charles at a polo match. Her reputed opening line, "My great-grandmother was the mistress of your great-great-grandfather. I feel we have something in common" showcased her wit and confidence. This charm has evidently persisted, as she later imparted crucial marital advice to Kate.

According to royal biographer Robert Lacey, Camilla confided in Kate that the key to maintaining a relationship with a busy prince is to align one's schedule entirely with his.

She advised, "The secret of hanging on to a busy Prince is to fit your timetable — well, basically your whole life — around his." Kate seemingly embraced this counsel, contributing to the evident happiness in her marriage to Prince William, 42.

Camilla's initial interactions with William were reportedly cautious. Journalist Richard Eden noted that Camilla once remarked, "The boy's got a temper," reflecting early challenges in their relationship. Their first meeting occurred in 1998, less than a year after Princess Diana's passing. At that time, Camilla had re-entered Charles' life, prompting the need for introductions to his sons.

The encounter was unplanned; William unexpectedly returned home from Eton, leading Charles to facilitate a meeting between his son and Camilla. They conversed privately for about half an hour. The future queen, upon emerging, reportedly quipped, "I need a drink." Despite the delicate circumstances, William was amicable, and Camilla remained considerate of his emotions. Subsequent interactions, including lunches and teas, helped solidify their relationship.

Over time, the one-time mistress has become a significant presence in both William's and Kate's lives. Her guidance to her eventual successor as Queen consort "underscores the importance of adaptability and support within the royal framework," a palace source stated. "By aligning her life with William's demanding schedule, Kate has fostered a strong partnership, reflecting Camilla's earlier experiences."

This mentorship highlights the intricate dynamics of royal marriages, where personal relationships intertwine with public duties, and emotions are not meant ever to appear. "The Queen's counsel to Kate not only emphasizes the importance of flexibility but also showcases the enduring bonds that sustain the royal family through generations," the insider concluded.

Although a reassuring exchange, not much is known about Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness' internal dynamic today, especially after Charles III's accession to the throne, which bumped everyone up in rank.

Daily Mirror reported on the expert opinions.