Duchess of Wornwell By Clive Goodman
THE Duchess of Cornwall stunned crowds at the biggest event in the royal calendar yesterday — by turning up in her wedding dress.
Camilla was at Trooping The Colour in the same off-white dress and coat she was married in just nine weeks ago yesterday.
Designers Robinson Valentine had discreetly altered the cuffs to give the outfit a newer look.
But a senior Palace aide confirmed: "She had a different hat and bag but otherwise it was the same outfit."
As the Royal Family's senior woman after the Queen, Camilla should have been given pride of place at the ceremony—as Princess Diana once was.
But it was plain that the duchess still hasn't found her full place within her husband's family.
Delighted
Looking nervous and hesitant, Camilla only laughed easily with her step-son Prince William and Prince Charles.
William was celebrating his 2:1 honours degree in geography after four years at university.
A family friend said: "She's delighted for him, as is his father."
But the Queen barely exchanged a glance with Camilla throughout the birthday parade.
Camilla had arrived for the trooping in a carriage with William along with the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Looking hesitant, she smiled and waved at wellwishers
But behind the smiles, Camilla fears she is still disliked by her royal in-laws.
"She's found it so hard to adjust to her change of life.
"She thinks the Prince of Wales's family still hates her. It's tough for her at the moment," revealed one family friend. After a ceremony at Horseguards Parade the Queen and her 32 guests returned to Buckingham Palace for lunch.
Later the royals emerged on to the palace balcony to greet crowds and watch an RAF fly-past.
Other senior royals at the event included Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with Lady Ella Mountbatten.
Those closest to the duchess say she has become frustrated over her new life two months after the marriage.
She now has a team of armed police minders who follow her every move.
A family friend said: "She finds that very restricting. It makes keeping up with friends very difficult. Every time she moves it becomes a huge security problem so she has ended up seeing fewer people."
And Camilla is frightened that the friends and family she does still see regularly might think she's too grand.
"She's the same old Camilla but there's so much more to take into account these days," said the family friend.
"Nothing is simple any longer. A lunch out with friends can become an expedition.
"It's difficult to explain that to people who are used to the old Camilla. But the duchess feels the worst pressure is the strain of public life.
"The pressure to look good and never set a foot wrong is exhausting," said one pal.
Proud
Next week Camilla will be on show again at Prince William's graduation ceremony. William became the brainiest royal ever yesterday after getting the 2:1 degree in Geography. He was delighted and made his father very proud.
The Queen, Prince Philip, Charles and Camilla will attend his graduation at St Andrews University.
The Queen and Philip will stage a walkabout in the Fife town on graduation day.
Charles and Camilla will also host a special dinner for the parents of William's girlfriend, Kate Middleton, 22.
Kate and William have lived together for most of their four years at St Andrews. Charles's get-together with Kate's dad Michael and mum Carole, of Bucklebury, Berks, is the first since they came to William's 21st birthday party. A family friend said: "The Prince thought it was time to get to know each other a bit better. William is very close to Kate's family."
Well, Diana must be crying in the sky.