The Camilla controversy

It was a another Royal public relations disaster. Diana's sons invited Camilla to attend their mother's memorial service on August 31, her 10th death anniversary. The presence of most members of the royal family (excluding the exes) would have portrayed a united front on the one issue that divided the household and created a rift between the
Queen and her subjects.

But Diana's supporters were not content to let sleeping dogs lie. Many went public about their outrage at the person they (and Diana) blamed for her failed marriage. The Queen ostensibly stepped in and gave her permission for Camilla's absence from the service (incidentally at the same church where Camilla married her first husband).

Whether she actively discourage Camilla from going or merely acted to save her further embarassment is not entirely clear. Neither is how much of a part Prince Charles had to play in the controversy -- did he want her at his side or did he prefer her to remain in the shadows? Rumours suggest he encouraged her
to agree to attend, although she had her misgivings.

In the end, Diana's memorial service was marred by the Camilla controversy. She, on the other hand, is reportedly miffed with her husband and is off on a Mediterranean holiday in a few days with some family and friends -- but without Charles.

The Royal PR machine is studiously avoiding any further comment on the matter and are understandably keen to play down the issue. When will they ever learn that when Diana and Camilla are mentioned in the same story, there is bound to be discord?