King Charles and Queen Camilla have been a part of each other's lives for over five decades, and the past seven months have shown that the Queen has truly embraced her role, much to the King's delight.
The year has been marked by concerns about the health of Royal Family members, but the Queen's importance on the public stage has soared as she continues to adeptly step in and keep the Royal show running. As she nears her 77th birthday, Camilla's worth is being recognised more than ever, notes a leading Royal expert.
Veteran royal expert and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: "I think part of it is because she so much wants the man she loves to be proud of her, and to pull her weight in their partnership.
"But also it must be so gratifying to have earned widespread approval - even affection - from a public who once ganged up against her as the 'marriage breaker' and the 'other woman' who made Diana so unhappy. I think Diana was absolutely right to tell me that Camilla was 'loyal' and that Charles's love for Camilla was stronger than any marriage he might ever have made.
"These days I think Camilla is looking sleeker, smarter and more stylish than ever and she has grown immeasurably in confidence. What a contrast to those early days when she looked and sounded so very nervous if she had to speak in public. Now she is assured, confident and comfortable in her new and very demanding role."
Jennie told OK! Camilla's dedication was in many ways due to her close relationship with King Charles.
"She is, after all, a woman who has never had to knuckle down to a solid career or the slog of a 9 to 5 job. She has shouldered a sharply increased workload and a massive amount of responsibility in the past few months - and is looking and sounding great on it!"
Jennie's observations came hot on the heels of Queen Camilla's poignant tribute in which she lauded the nation's service personnel as a "source of inspiration, reassurance and pride" on the recent occasion of Armed Forces Day. The heartfelt missive from Camilla also pointed to her intimate ties with the Armed Forces, referring to herself as the "proud daughter of an Army officer". Significantly, she adorned her ensemble with her Royal Lancers brooch, an emblem of her late father's regiment and the military unit over which she presides as Colonel in Chief.
Major Shand's military exploits were nothing short of remarkable; he served with the 12th Lancers during World War II and was awarded the Military Cross twice once in 1940 for his actions during the Dunkirk evacuation, and again in 1942 for his valour in the North Africa campaign. Despite being wounded and taken prisoner in North Africa, he lived to tell the tale, passing away at 89 in June 2006.
In her heartfelt video message, Camilla thanked the Armed Forces for "everything you do to protect this country of ours" and honoured those who gave their lives for peace worldwide. On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Queen remarked: "Eight decades later, I know that same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our Armed Forces, as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers."
She continued to praise the forces, saying: "In so doing, you not only protect these Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores. Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the United Kingdom are as enduring as our gratitude."