Camilla never had much interest in formal clothes, preferring jeans or old-fashioned country wear. She never showed the slightest sign of following fashion trends.
So the Queen has come a long way in a short time as her formal appearances now make clear, especially in her carefully chosen wardrobe for the recent state visit to France where, perhaps for the first time, she was recognized as the part.
Whether it was the Barbie pink outfit for her arrival or the deep blue Dior dress with gown and sapphires – Queen Elizabeth’s – which she wore to the state banquet, Camilla dressed with just the right (and very careful) touch of drama that her new role requires. She looked regal.
Queen Camilla arrived in Paris in pink, a color she hasn’t worn too much, but pulled it off beautifully with a Philip Treacy beret style hat
Looking immaculate in her riding gear, Camilla takes a break while riding with the Beautfort Hunt in 1996
Camilla in jeans is a rare sight, but she was dressed appropriately for a pheasant shooting party at Sandringham House in November 2006
How did it come about? Camilla’s attitude towards clothes only changed when the 21st century began. She and Prince Charles gradually accepted as a couple and Camilla knew she would be scrutinized.
“She’s stepped up wonderfully,” her younger sister Annabel said at the time.
But she did so cautiously – understandably so.
Of course, like any girl from her rather well-to-do background, Camilla always knew how to dress, especially when she was invited to big social events.
But this is not the same as managing a large and expensive wardrobe for public and ceremonial effect.
if she wasn’t starting completely from scratch, she was no more than pedaling around in the fashion department – perhaps at a mere 10mph.
Many women would have jumped at the chance to revamp their wardrobe, especially if there was no limit to the cost.
But Camilla took a whole year to work out her own image, consider the various demands that would be placed on her and then dress to match.
Seemingly happier to make an impression with headwear, Camilla opted for enormous hats with feathers or fascinators to make sure she was seen.
Maybe an easier choice for her than clothes.
Bruce Oldfield who became one of her favorite couture designers was particularly helpful, but he gave me an example of her great caution.
For years, Camilla rejected anything pink, he explained, partly because she believed Charles wouldn’t like it, sticking instead to creams, soft blues and greens.
Oldfield kept trying to persuade her and finally she gave in – after which it turns out that Charles loved the color and thought she looked beautiful.
Hence the confidence for the Barbie-like pink outfit for her visit to France. It could have been a risky fashion choice, but she looked fantastic.
There was another change in her approach when she became queen just over a year ago.
Previously, Camilla rarely took chances, especially if she accompanied her husband or was a patron of the group she visited.
To be on the safe side, she usually chose dark blue dresses that look a little teachery but are easy to move into.
Now she knows she will be seen – and, indeed, must be seen to fulfill her role as consort of the monarch. And that in turn means embracing a touch of royal theatricality.
On a scorching hot Ascot day, Camilla was a dream in cream and the matching cream veil made for a perfect outfit that looked both beautiful and practical in the heat
The Queen’s mint colored hat on day three of Ascot was a beautiful sight and she teamed it beautifully with a matching dress and a pearl necklace
Camilla had a bit of trouble getting off the plane in Paris due to strong winds, but she just about managed to hold onto her hat and keep her Fiona Clare skirt from flying up
But none of this can be comfortable for a woman who, even on formal occasions, prefers to walk around in comfortable ‘bunion-butting’ court shoes.
It certainly can’t be easy getting off a plane while holding on to a hat plus bag in a stiff breeze in high heels.
The point is, she had to learn, and I’m confident it wasn’t easy. More proof, perhaps, of how far she’s willing to go to keep her husband happy
- Camilla by Angela Levin is published by Simon and Schuster