Queen Camilla is increasingly seen as a powerful figure within the modern monarchy. Royal insiders have informed RadarOnline.com that she has become the Royal Family’s “smiling hit-woman” as efforts intensify to permanently remove Prince Andrew from public royal duties in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
While outwardly maintaining her image as the devoted wife of King Charles III, 77, biographers and former palace aides are portraying Camilla, 78, as a determined and strategic protector of the monarchy.
Royal author Christopher Wilson, in his book A Greater Love – Charles and Camilla, compares the Queen to the late Queen Mother, noting her ability to appear warm and reassuring while having a hidden “ruthless streak.”
Interest in Camilla’s role has grown as reports suggest she, along with Prince William, 43, is urging Charles to take a firmer stance against Andrew, 66, and potentially the broader York family.
A royal court insider has indicated that Camilla is gaining influence in handling the monarchy’s reputation crises.
They noted: “Camilla has been part of the monarchy long enough to know that its survival hinges on public trust and stability. Those close to the institution say she sees scandals as threats if left unresolved, preferring decisive action over endless deliberation. For her, safeguarding the Crown sometimes requires making tough decisions, even if it involves family members.”
This insider further stated: “Within the palace, there is a growing belief that Camilla is a leading force in the effort to permanently remove Andrew from royal life. Publicly, she exudes warmth and diplomacy, but privately, she is seen as pragmatic and unsentimental in securing the monarchy’s future.
“Those around the King perceive her focus on the institution’s longevity over personal ties, which has increased her influence behind the scenes more than many realize. She can remain composed while orchestrating someone’s removal from the institution behind the scenes – like a smiling hitwoman!”
Wilson highlighted Camilla’s role as akin to the support the Queen Mother provided to King George VI during the constitutional crisis following Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936.
He argued that Charles, similar to his mother Queen Elizabeth II, can be too forgiving. A former courtier told Wilson: “If Charles has a weakness, it’s that he’s too kind and too forgiving when things go wrong.”
Recent reports suggest discussions are ongoing about further diminishing Andrew’s royal status, possibly altering his ceremonial role in the line of succession.
Sources claimed Camilla is encouraging Charles to take these steps, while others believe Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, should also face consequences for their continued support of their father.
According to a palace aide: “Camilla is now spearheading the effort to completely remove Andrew from the royal family.”
Tensions between Camilla and the York family have reportedly been simmering for years.
Her absence from Eugenie’s 2018 wedding to Jack Brooksbank at St George’s Chapel raised speculation about discord, despite aides citing a prior commitment near Balmoral.
She also did not attend Beatrice’s scaled-down 2020 wedding to Edo Mapelli Mozzi during the COVID pandemic.
More recently, Camilla’s choice not to publicly congratulate Eugenie on her pregnancy announcement has fueled claims she is intentionally distancing herself from Andrew’s side of the family.
Concurrently, Camilla has amplified her public advocacy on issues of violence against women and sexual abuse.
During a speech at St James’ Palace earlier this year for International Women’s Day, she stated: “Shame must change sides.” She continued: “We stand with you.”
These remarks were widely seen by royal commentators as an acknowledgment of the damage inflicted on the monarchy by Andrew’s ties to sex trafficker Epstein and the ongoing fallout from his friendship with the convicted felon.
