In a footage from a BBC interview that was released on Sunday, Camilla, the Queen Consort, described Queen Elizabeth II’s lovely blue eyes and unforgettable smile.
The former Duchess of Cornwall’s praise comes nearly two weeks after the queen died “peacefully” at her Balmoral, Scotland castle at the age of 96.
The remarks also precede the Queen’s funeral, which will bring together 2,000 mourners, including President Joe Biden and members of the royal family, at Westminster Abbey on Monday to celebrate the monarch’s life.
Camilla says in a snippet from the interview, which will air in its entirety on Sunday at 8 p.m. BST, that the interviewee has “the most beautiful blue eyes.” “When she grins, her eyes illuminate her entire face. I will never forget that smile; that smile is truly unforgettable.”
In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II was followed by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
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Camilla also discussed how the Queen established herself as a formidable female force at a period when the majority of world leaders were male.
“It must have been very challenging for her to be a single lady. There were no women serving as prime ministers or presidents “Queen Consort said. She was the lone participant, thus I believe she created her own role.
Camilla’s relationship with the late monarch has evolved significantly since the tumultuous beginning of her relationship with King Charles III in the 1990s.
Charles and Camilla reportedly began dating in 1986, when he was married to Princess Diana and she was married to Andrew Parker Bowles. 1997 was the first year the relationship was made public.
In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II visited Poundbury, Dorset.
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The Queen reportedly agreed to see Camilla formally for the first time in 2000, according to The New York Times. Although the Queen was absent from their 2005 wedding, the passage of time suggested that she and the queen had developed a close relationship.
In February, Queen Elizabeth II made it obvious that she approves of Camilla by announcing that she wants her daughter-in-law to have the Queen Consort title when Charles III becomes king, putting an end to years of uncertainty regarding her future royal title.
“When, in due course, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” the Queen said in a statement reflecting on her 70-year reign.