Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Mayer’s Book Says Charles Labeled Camilla “Non-Negotiable” Post-Diana

7/17/2026

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Catherine Mayer alleges in her book that King Charles III called Queen Camilla “non-negotiable” after Diana’s death.
Mayer says Charles relied on Camilla’s support to sustain him after Diana’s death.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Fox News Digital the palace will not comment on the book.
Mayer notes Charles met Camilla through Lucia Santa Cruz in 1970 and that palace officials deemed her unsuitable because she was not a virgin.

History

Historical Context

Edward VIII’s 1936 decision to abdicate rather than marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson triggered a constitutional crisis that required the consent of five Dominions and the passage of His Majesty’s Declaration of Abdication Act. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin endorsed the move, establishing a precedent for royal partners to be scrutinized—a dynamic echoed today as Charles III’s remarks about Camilla spark fresh debate.

1 of 2

Story summary

Catherine Mayer alleges in her book that King Charles III called Queen Camilla “non-negotiable” after Diana’s death.
Mayer says Charles relied on Camilla’s support to sustain him after Diana’s death.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told Fox News Digital the palace will not comment on the book.
Mayer notes Charles met Camilla through Lucia Santa Cruz in 1970 and that palace officials deemed her unsuitable because she was not a virgin.

1 / 2