Camilla to Doria ‘YOU’RE NOT WELCOME AT THE PALACE!’
The Duchess of Cornwall shares her feelings about the royal newcomer
Since she attended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in May, Doria Ragland has won the hearts of people all over the world, including the royal family.
The 62-year-old yoga instructor and social worker has captivated her daughter’s new in-laws with her dignified conduct and down-to-earth appeal, especially charming Prince Charles.
They’ve lovingly welcomed her into their royal clique, even inviting elegant Doria to accompany Meghan and Harry to her first charity event as an honorary royal last week.
But not everybody’s thrilled by the new fast-tracked family favourite. And Woman’s Day can reveal there’s one royal who’s not signing up to Doria’s fan club and that’s Camilla.
According to trusted royal insiders, the Duchess of Cornwall, 71, is “intensely jealous” of the bond the La-based mother-of-one has formed with her husband of 13 years.
“Doria is a breath of fresh air for everyone in the royal family,” reveals a well-placed palace aide. “She’s a lot of fun to be around and they’ve been extremely taken by her bubbly yet humble personality, Prince Charles in particular.”
But Camilla is said to be seething at Meghan’s mother’s speedy acceptance into the monarchy’s revered inner family circle.
“Charles adores Doria and Camilla finds it decidedly inappropriate,” reveals our royal insider. “Even though there’s clearly no flirting or anything romantic going on, she feels threatened by the intense connection they’ve developed and worries Charles prefers Doria’s company to hers.
“They can talk for hours about everything from world affairs to culture, politics and even cooking. He’s especially enamoured by her calming influence and smart personality.”
Their unlikely friendship formed when Charles, 69, famously stepped in to walk Meghan down the aisle on her big day, after her troubled father Thomas Markle pulled out at the eleventh hour amid his well-publicised health dramas and media scandal.
CHARMING CHARLES
“That was the day Doria really won Charles over,” explains our source. “He was impressed by the way she carried herself and rose to the occasion.
“In the weeks and months that have followed, his admiration has only increased, and he’s found himself looking up to Doria on so many levels.
“Charles knows how intimidating it can be for a newcomer to enter into the royal family. That’s why he’s gone out of his way to ensure she’s accepted and welcomed whenever she visits the UK.”
‘He’s gone out of his way to ensure she’s welcomed’
But his kind-hearted gestures have left Camilla feeling like the spare wheel.
“It irks Camilla terribly,” says the source. “She feels Charles admires Doria too much and is making too much of a fuss over her. It’s causing major tension, especially since Charles refuses to acknowledge why Camilla should be jealous.”
Fortunately, Meghan along with Harry, is doing everything she can to reassure Doria she’s very welcome at the palace.
SENSITIVE SITUATION
“This is far from comfortable for Meghan and she’s finding it extremely awkward,” says our royal informant. “She’s keeping a watchful eye on the situation and hopes Camilla calms down soon and realises there’s nothing for her to be jealous about.
“That said, her loyalty is to her mother first and foremost. Of course, she’s offering Doria unconditional support and they’re both well aware that communications with Camilla must be handled sensitively and discreetly.”