Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III, reportedly harbors a strong fear whenever she embarks on overseas trips. As the royal couple concluded their two-day visit to Canada, a former royal staff member disclosed a lesser-known detail about Camilla’s travel apprehensions.
Grant Harrold, who served as King Charles's butler for seven years, also looked after Camilla during his tenure. In a recent interview on behalf of Slingo with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Harrold shed light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of royal travel, revealing Camilla’s discomfort with flying.
Despite the luxurious travel arrangements afforded to the royals—including private jets, VIP lounges, and meals prepared to order—Camilla is notably uneasy about flying. Harrold clarified that it’s not a fear of heights, but the turbulence common on smaller private aircraft that unsettles her. He emphasized that even though flying is an essential part of royal duties, it remains one of Camilla’s least favorite experiences.
While royal air travel skips the usual airport procedures like security scans and baggage restrictions, the experience still requires significant planning and coordination. Harrold explained that each trip involves months of preparation, managed by the royal household staff. Behind the scenes, valets, housekeepers, and butlers ensure every detail aligns with royal expectations.
King Charles, for example, requires specific dietary items that may not be readily available abroad, and his staff ensures these are arranged in advance. His team is also responsible for packing a variety of attire, including formal daywear, military uniforms, medals, and even ceremonial swords, depending on the occasion. Furthermore, security arrangements and official correspondence are meticulously managed to support the monarch’s duties while overseas.
Recently, Queen Camilla participated in a ceremonial unveiling at Westminster Abbey alongside the Duke of Buccleuch. She unveiled the foundation stone for the new King Charles III Sanctuary and humorously recalled that her last visit to the site featured “quite a lot of skeletons.” Her light-hearted remark during the event highlighted her approachable personality, often seen during public appearances.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is preparing for a significant royal tour of Italy next month with King Charles. Their itinerary had included a planned audience with Pope Francis. However, due to the Pope’s recent recovery from a severe illness and hospitalization for pneumonia, the Vatican meeting has been postponed on medical advice. Buckingham Palace confirmed the decision was made by mutual agreement and conveyed the couple’s best wishes for the Pope’s recovery.
Though the Vatican visit is on hold, the rest of the Italian tour is expected to proceed with some adjustments. The Queen recently visited 48 Doughty Street, the former home of Charles Dickens, to celebrate the centenary of the Charles Dickens Museum. The event paid tribute to the novelist’s legacy and the Fellowship’s role in preserving the site since 1925.
In light of the rescheduled Vatican visit, royal style experts have weighed in on what Camilla might wear for her future audience with the Pope. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, pointed out that strict dress codes must be observed during papal visits. Jewelry, especially, plays a significant role in royal attire for such occasions. He noted how Queen Elizabeth II, during her historic 1980 Vatican visit, wore the iconic Vladimir Tiara with pearl drops, which elegantly complemented her traditional black gown and mantilla veil.
King Charles, often seen as a modernizing monarch, has subtly moved away from long-standing royal protocols. This approach has also strengthened his relationship with Camilla. Uncharacteristically for past British monarchs, Charles has shown a devoted interest in the lives of his grandchildren. He reportedly enjoys spending time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, engaging in nature walks, gardening, and animal care on his estates.
However, his bond with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet has been limited due to ongoing tensions with Prince Harry. Nevertheless, for William and Kate’s children, King Charles has become a beloved and playful grandfather figure.
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