William, Catherine and Harry are making a difference. It was worth the wait.

Like many royal watchers, I woke up to this photo on my twitter timeline. It is always exciting to see a new photo of the Cambridge family, given that they are so rarely released. When they are they are carefully controlled images with staged informality. As with everything the Cambridges do (or don't do), opinion is divided and I can see why. Although everyone looks happy, neither child is facing the camera and the black and white makes it look stark. Not your traditional royal family photo.

The image accompanies a British GQ cover story about William as part of his Heads Together mental health campaign. The issue will not be released until later in the week but we have been given a taste of topics covered in William's candid interview; including coping with his mother's death, the importance of family and removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

In the past the royal family have been touted for their 'stiff upper lip,' rarely showing any emotion or publicly discussing private matters. While we will never read the Queen's true thoughts about this interview (or anything else for that matter), the current generation of royals is more forthcoming. Mainly when it involves issues they want to promote.

Raising awareness about mental health and working to reduce the stigma is an important and worthy cause. Mental illness, either directly or indirectly affects each and every one of us. My own family included. William, Catherine and Harry have been criticized in the past for not using their global platform effectively. By heavily promoting this cause they are finally making a difference.

It was worth the wait.

© Marilyn Braun 2017

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Camilla has come a long way, baby!

I originally started this blog in 2005, the year Charles and Camilla were married. Back then I viewed their relationship and the controversy surrounding their wedding as satirical fodder. Many of my early articles poke fun at the situation. I remember the feeling of shock when I heard about their engagement. The idea that they could get married after everything that happened was unfathomable. Although Diana had been dead for almost 8 years, it was still hard to forget the past. The royals may have moved on but some members of the public had not.

In a recent interview to mark her 70th birthday, Camilla stated that it was a difficult road to get to that point. It was so bad that for a time she could not leave her home. Given what happened in Charles and Diana's marriage because of her involvement, it is hard to sympathize. No one came out of that situation unscathed. Why should Camilla have been any different?

To this day she is known primarily as HRH Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales because of the past. The debate rages on about whether she will be known as Queen Camilla when Charles inherits the throne. The official line is she will be known as HRH Princess Consort instead. Because the royals bend the rules when they want to, my money is on her becoming Queen once the dust has settled. Regardless of what anyone thinks about it.

Whatever viewpoint you hold about Charles and Camilla, no one can deny they are happy together. Had this interview had been published shortly after their marriage, people might not have found it as palatable. Camilla had to prove herself and in 12 years she has not disappointed. She has even become an asset to the royal family.

Back in 2005, who would have predicted it?

© Marilyn Braun 2017

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.