Camilla Parker Bowles Busted Flicking Through Program at Commonwealth Games Opening
We all know the struggle of trying to pass the time at boring events. But those hoping to be queen have to at least pretend to look thrilled to be there.
Quinn Rooney
If she wants to be queen, she is going to have to try harder than this.
Prince Charles’ wife Camilla Parker Bowles has been slammed after she appeared to be so bored while attending the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Australia that she spent much of the presentation leafing through a program for the event.
Broadcasters and commentators on social media voiced disbelief after a distracted-looking Camilla was repeatedly seen picking up a guide to the games, rather than watching the opening ceremony.
I loved the cut to Camilla, when she was reading a magazine and had tuned tf out.
— Ashleigh (@ahodge_) April 5, 2018
The Commonwealth is a loose grouping of British-allied nations—many, but not all, are former British colonies and some count the queen as head of state.
The Commonwealth is one of the queen’s passions, but she no longer travels long haul, so it was left to Prince Charles and Camilla to preside over the opening ceremony for the games in Queensland.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The queen has made no secret of her desire for Charles to be named next head of the Commonwealth, but the title is not hereditary and the deal is not done. Many influencers are lobbying for a non-royal as the next head of the Commonwealth—to make a statement of modernity.
Officials sought to downplay Camilla’s behavior during Wednesday night’s opening ceremony.
Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin said: “She was absolutely shattered. She was jet-lagged.
“She’d just got off the plane in the morning with a full duty right through [the day],” Martin said.
“And then she sat in the car from Brisbane down to here. She got 20 minutes to change before she was due at another reception.
“When you’re back to back like that off a long-haul flight... and she literally hates flying. She really does, she hates it. She really wanted to go to sleep.
“She really enjoyed herself. I didn’t see the facial expressions et cetera, but the comments between the duchess and Prince Charles and myself, she was asking questions all the time. They both enjoyed it.”
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.