Queen Camilla has come under fire after reports revealed that she left King Charles alone during his stay at Balmoral Castle while she embarked on a luxury yacht vacation. The controversy has sparked outrage across Britain and beyond with critics accusing the Queen of showing poor judgment at a delicate time for the monarchy.
The King, who is privately battling an undisclosed form of cancer, retreated to Balmoral Castle in Scotland for his annual summer break. Traditionally, the monarch is surrounded by family during this period but this year Charles found himself isolated in the quiet halls of the castle.
Instead of being by his side Queen Camilla was sailing across the Mediterranean on a $40 million superyacht named Zenobia. The vessel owned by Syrian-Saudi businessman and philanthropist Wafic Said hosted Camilla along with her daughter Laura Lopes and her grandchildren.
Images of the Queen enjoying her time on the lavish yacht near Greece contrasted sharply with reports of King Charles navigating the challenges of his health in a cold and empty castle. Insiders described Balmoral as a lonely place filled with bats rather than family warmth.
A royal insider speaking to Radar Online said Camilla “didn’t have a care in the world.” While they clarified that she was not involved in scandalous behavior the optics of the situation were described as “not a good look” for the Queen.
Critics highlighted the irony that King Charles has been outspoken about reducing royal expenses and modernizing the monarchy’s budget while his wife was seen holidaying on a billionaire’s boat. For many observers the getaway appeared poorly timed and poorly considered.
Members of the royal family are said to have taken issue with the trip as well. Princess Anne reportedly disapproved while Prince William and Princess Kate were also unsettled by the decision. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales have stood firmly behind the King’s vision of a leaner monarchy and viewed Camilla’s absence as undermining his message.
The only reason William and Kate did not join the King at Balmoral this year was due to their upcoming move into their new home Forest Lodge. According to insiders the couple have been busy preparing for the transition and could not spare the time for a lengthy stay in Scotland.
The insider explained that the King would have valued Camilla’s companionship more than ever during this summer. Instead he was left to face his health struggles largely alone while his consort was photographed sailing through crystal blue waters.
Observers note that the timing of the trip could not have been worse. Public awareness of the King’s health has heightened concern for his wellbeing and his wife’s absence has fueled accusations that she is prioritizing luxury over loyalty.
Some royal commentators argue that the criticism reflects broader doubts about Queen Camilla’s popularity. Despite years of effort to win over the public many still view her with suspicion especially when her actions appear at odds with the King’s values.
Others believe that the uproar may fade as the Queen returns to public duties. However the shadow of this decision may linger as King Charles faces one of the most challenging periods of his reign.
The insider concluded with a somber reflection: “The damage has been done. The sad thing is Charles would have liked her to join him at Balmoral for the whole of the August break. Instead she apparently had better things to do.”
For a royal family that remains under constant scrutiny even a summer holiday can turn into a headline. In this case Queen Camilla’s yacht trip has left many questioning her priorities and her commitment to the King during his most vulnerable moments.
