A controversial new documentary set to be broadcast on Channel 4 is expected to cast Queen Camilla in the role of Prince Harry’s “wicked stepmother”, reports suggest.
The release of the documentary was allegedly delayed following King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, with producers concerned about potential public backlash. The programme is believed to depict Camilla as someone who has carefully curated her public image for over thirty years, and Channel 4 is reportedly preparing for it to spark a major controversy.
It is rumoured that the documentary will imply that the late Queen Elizabeth II did not wish for Camilla to become queen and will show a strong bias in favour of Prince Harry.
A source disclosed to The Sun: “This is very much a pro-Harry, anti-Camilla documentary. It presents him and Meghan as victims of the family’s unkindness. It’s going to cause serious waves – and Channel 4 know it. They know this is hugely controversial. A lot of people aren’t going to like it, especially at Buckingham Palace.”
The programme, thought to be titled Camilla: Harry’s ‘Wicked’ Stepmother?, is anticipated to be aired in the forthcoming weeks.
There are indications that the documentary’s producers approached Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in California for their input, but it is understood that no reply was forthcoming from the representatives of the Duke and Duchess.
The Archewell foundation spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan stated: “Neither Duke or Duchess, nor their team, participated in the making of this documentary. We would safely like to assume it will state as such in the show.”
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “It will be looking at Camilla’s biography and background. It is yet to be scheduled.”
Extracts seemingly from his memoir ‘Spare’ suggest Harry pleaded with King Charles III not to wed Camilla due to concerns over leaked stories.
Prince Harry reveals in his tell-all book that both he and his brother Prince William beseeched their father to think twice before marrying Camilla, marking an uneasy consent post Princess Diana’s demise.
Harry claimed they did agree to welcome Camilla into the family but added that the concept of their father remarrying after the death of their mother, Diana, was a pill hard to swallow for both princes.
Harry goes on to accuse Camilla of media leaks about her first meeting with William and paints a tense portrait of their early interactions, at one point comparing the apprehension to like wating for an injection and that she appeared bored as they chatted about horses – and once pondered if she would become his “wicked stepmother”.