Queen Camilla, 78, and the Princess of Wales, 43, have grown noticeably closer in recent years. But back in 2020, it was reported that Camilla once gave Kate relationship advice about life with Prince William.

According to royal historian Robert Lacey in his book Battle of Brothers, Camilla told Kate that the secret to a lasting marriage with a future king was simple but demanding: “Fit your timetable – well, basically your whole life – around his.”

The suggestion carried weight, given Camilla’s own long relationship with King Charles. At the time, William was balancing an increasingly heavy schedule of royal duties, and Camilla’s words were framed as both advice and a gentle warning.

How their relationship evolved

Reports also suggest that Kate played an important role in smoothing Camilla’s ties with other senior royals after her 2005 marriage to Charles. Royal author Angela Levin wrote that time — and Kate’s peacemaking nature — helped William eventually warm to Camilla.

“Camilla is also a conciliator and doesn’t nurse grievances,” Levin noted, adding that both women shared the belief that supporting their husbands must remain a priority. Their shared love of the arts also brought them together, with Kate often joining Charles and Camilla at exhibitions William didn’t particularly enjoy.

William and Kate today

The Prince and Princess of Wales have faced enormous challenges in recent years, most notably Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024. She stepped back from royal duties to undergo treatment and announced her remission in January 2025.

The couple has since focused on family life with their children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — while Kate gradually returns to her public role. Later this year, they are set to move into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, described as their “forever home” and a fresh start after a difficult chapter.