There’s something wonderfully refreshing about a woman who can laugh at the world — and herself — even while wearing a crown. That’s what makes Queen Camilla so endearing.
Her charm doesn’t come from royal titles or grand gestures, but from her easy humour and knack for finding light in serious moments.
It’s no wonder many say she reminds them of the late, great Jilly Cooper — the beloved novelist who had an unshakable zest for life and a wicked sense of fun.
Jilly Cooper’s Spirit Lives On
Jilly Cooper, author of Rivals and countless cheeky, glamorous romps, was the queen of witty one-liners.
She once joked that “the male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness, can be trained to do most things,” and proudly declared her love for being wolf-whistled at — unapologetically so.
She wasn’t one for political correctness, and that’s partly why people adored her.
In many ways, Camilla shares that same unfiltered warmth — upper-class but approachable, elegant yet grounded, and always ready with a laugh.
The Royal Pair Who Couldn’t Stop Laughing
One of the best glimpses of this came during the 2017 royal tour of Canada, when King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a traditional Inuit throat-singing performance.
The ritual was meant to be solemn, but as the two performers faced off, grunting rhythmically in each other’s faces, Camilla struggled to keep a straight face.
Charles, equally tickled, tried to hide his laughter behind his hand — but soon, both were giggling uncontrollably.
The clip went viral, and predictably, some critics called it “inappropriate.”
But for most people, it was just a moment of human hilarity — proof that even royals can get the giggles.
When the Queen Made a Shampoo Joke
Fast forward to last year, and Camilla was at it again — this time, with a perfectly timed quip.
After watching the soft-focus video of the Prince and Princess of Wales playing with their children in the Norfolk countryside, the Queen reportedly smiled and said it reminded her of “a shampoo commercial.”
Cue the outrage from the overly sensitive corners of the internet.
But honestly, wasn’t she just saying what everyone else was thinking? Between Kate running her fingers through wildflowers and the golden sunlight bouncing off the grass, it really did look like an advert for Timotei shampoo from the 1980s.
It was a gentle joke — not cruel, not cutting, just clever.
The Queen’s Natural Gift for Lifting the Mood
Those who know Camilla say she has a rare gift for breaking tension without breaking anyone’s dignity.
She knows when to laugh, when to make others laugh, and when to simply listen.
It’s that balance that makes her such a steadying presence beside King Charles, who can sometimes drift toward melancholy.
Camilla’s humour grounds him — and everyone else around her.
A Chance Encounter That Said It All
I once experienced that warmth myself. At the Cliveden Literary Festival, I was quietly heading out for a sandwich when a man with a curly earpiece stopped me politely.
“Would you mind waiting here, madam?” he said.
Before I could respond, the Queen herself appeared, waving cheerfully and greeting me by name.
“Hello, Sarah,” she said. “How lovely to see you. I really enjoyed your book.”
It was such a small thing — but it left an impression. She didn’t have to stop, didn’t have to remember me, and certainly didn’t have to be so gracious.
But that’s Camilla all over: warm, approachable, effortlessly kind.
A Queen Who Feels Like One of Us
That moment summed up what so many love about her.
She doesn’t act like a woman above others, even though she’s literally a queen. She makes people feel comfortable, valued, and seen.
Whether she’s joking about royal videos, giggling with her husband, or chatting with strangers, she brings a touch of humanity to an institution that often feels distant.
Carrying Jilly Cooper’s Joyful Legacy
Like her dear friend Jilly Cooper, Queen Camilla lives with laughter, a dash of mischief, and a big heart.
Both women remind us that life doesn’t have to be taken too seriously — even when you’re standing in the world’s most serious job.
And maybe that’s the secret to her happiness — and the King’s, too.
After all, a good laugh, a little naughtiness, and a lot of warmth can go a long way — even in Buckingham Palace.