Queen consort Camilla paid tribute to Elizabeth II, a "lonely woman" who had to "carve out her role" in a world dominated by men, recalling the "big blue eyes" and the "unforgettable" smile of the late sovereign.
"It must have been very difficult for her to be a single woman. There were no female prime ministers or presidents. She was the only one, so I think she has carved out her role," said King Charles III's wife. .
The
new Queen Consort's first speech after Elizabeth II's death on 8 September at the age of 96 will be broadcast in full by the BBC today, before a minute of silence observed across the UK at 8pm.
"She had those wonderful blue eyes that, when she smiled, lit up her whole face," recalled Camilla, 75.
"She I will always remember her smile. That smile is unforgettable."
Long disliked by the British, who saw her as a family wrecker for having been Carlo's mistress when he was married to Princess Diana,
Lei Camilla slowly gained the support of the British, talking about violence against women or promoting reading .
Only last February the late Elizabeth II, who did not participate in her civil marriage with Charles in 2005, gave her consent for her to become "Queen consort" at the right time.
Camilla's popularity has recovered.
Last year, less than half of Brits wanted her to be queen.
According to a YouGov poll released on Tuesday, 53% think she will do a good job, while 18% think she won't.