Camilla's 'inappropriate' move ahead of Princess Diana memorial

Camilla has long faced criticism from the public due to her complicated history with Prince Charles and the effect it had on Princess Diana.

And now it’s been revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall received harsh criticism over her potential attendance of the Princess Diana memorial concert in 2007.

The 71-year-old had been invited to join Prince Charles and the Queen for the high-profile benefit concert held in Diana’s honour, following an official invitation from Prince Harry and Prince William.

She did not end up attending, but in royal author Katie Nicholl’s book The Making of a Royal Romance, it was revealed that the controversy generated by her prospective appearance took quite a toll.

“As had been the case for most of Diana’ married life, Camilla unwittingly cast something of a shadow over the memorial service,” Katie said, according to the Daily Express.

“There was a furore when it was reported that the Duchess would be attending. Camilla herself has had misgivings and wanted to stay away, but Charles had insisted she be there.”

At the time of the concert, Diana’s close friend Rosa Monckton spoke out and slammed Camilla for even thinking of attending.

“I know such services should be an occasion for forgiveness, but I can’t help feeling Camilla’s attendance is deeply inappropriate,” she told the Mail on Sunday at the time.

Katie also claimed that Camilla had been torn over the decision to attend, causing a rift within her marriage to Charles.

“Camilla found herself under terrible pressure, and she and Charles argued on a daily basis over whether she should attend,” Katie wrote.

And while the public had “by no means embraced their potential future queen” at the time, the Queen stepped in and gave her permission to skip the event.

Camilla then issued a rare statement which read: “On reflection I believe my attendance could divert attention from the purpose of the occasion, which is to focus on the life and service of Diana.”

And thankfully for the Duchess, her continued respect for the memory of Diana’s legacy has seen Camilla receiving less and less backlash from Diana supporters over the years.

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