A former royal staffer has praised Queen Camilla for giving a “modern approach” to the Royal Family ahead of her 79th birthday.
Camilla, 78, will celebrate the milestone on July 17 with her husband, King Charles, 77. The pair is reportedly set to have an intimate dinner, followed by a larger family gathering over the weekend.
It is believed she will also spend time at Raymill, her personal home in Wiltshire, England, with the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery holding a 41-gun salute near Buckingham Palace, and the Honourable Artillery Company executing a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. This comes as Queen Camilla’s true feelings towards Prince Harry’s UK return have been revealed.
For her gifts, the dedicated royal can expect jewelry from the royal collection or meaningful additions for her personal gardens, such as a special tree or shrub from her ever-loving husband.
And ahead of her birthday, Jack Stooks, who worked at Charles and Camilla’s Highgrove home for 20 years, spoke exclusively to the Daily Express US.
Queen Camilla is one of the more relatable royals (Image: Getty Images)
Jack opened up about the Queen and revealed how her “modern approach to royal life” has improved her image and given an added joy to the King.
The former royal staff member explained that Camilla’s non-royal background makes her feel more relatable, a quality she shares with Kate Middleton.
“Camilla has come from a ‘normal’ background, the same as Catherine’s, so we do see a more modern approach to royal life from her,” Jack told us, adding that like her daughter-in-law, “She likes to do her own thing and to do it in her own way.”
Queen Camilla and King Charles at London Zoo recently (Image: Getty Images)
Jack then noted that the “way she speaks to people and the way she interacts is key,” as Camilla often uses anecdotes and personal conversations to relate to members of the public.
“We don’t see that from some of the more traditional royals,” Jack remarked as he compared the royal to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
“The late Queen was a lot more formal and was used to that traditional royal approach,” the expert gardener revealed. “The King used to be like that, but he’s changed. He’s a lot warmer and a lot more jokey, especially when he’s around Camilla. I think she’s brought that side of him out.”
Queen Camilla is also reportedly nothing like what people would imagine. Due to years of negative press and comparisons to Princess Diana, many have already formed their opinion of Her Majesty before having met her.
“When people meet her at events, they really warm to her as they realise she’s just a very normal, down-to-earth, lovely person,” Jack sweetly said. “I was lucky enough to work around her and spend time with her, and to see her just as the simple, lovely woman.”