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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Camilla's sister still hasn't forgiven her for cruel childhood prank with teddy bear

The Duchess of Cornwall has her own family squabble that doesn't include any of the other royals - over a teddy bear.

Camilla, who will be known as Queen Consort when her husband Prince Charles becomes King, is giving us an insight into her personal life for new documentary, Camilla's Country Life.

The Duchess rarely gives interviews, but ITV were given unprecedented access to follow her around while she was Guest Editor of Country Life magazine to mark her 75 th birthday.

Camilla reveals her love for the British countryside, revealing her passions are gardening, dogs and horses, while we watch her go about her royal duties.

The Duchess is seen joining her husband, The Prince of Wales, at Clarence House as they prepare to leave for the State Opening of Parliament, on the first occasion that Charles stands in for The Queen at this constitutional event.

But the documentary also shows us the real Camilla behind all the pomp and ceremony - and why her sister has still not forgiven her over a hilarious childhood dispute.

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Camilla was raised in a country estate in East Sussex, but in the summer months would visit Hall Place, the former Hampshire home of her grandparents.

The Duchess is taken on a tour by current owner Michael Langdon, but she admits: "I could find my way around here with my eyes shut!"

Growing up they had a very close knit family and never had financial worries because Camilla was left nearly half a million pounds by her grandparents.

Her younger sister Annabel says: "There was a discussion as to whether any of us could take on the house but it was too big. We felt so sad about it going out of the family."

Camilla, who returns to her grandparents' old home for the first time since 1987, adds: "We loved being there. It was our holiday really. I do love the place."

The sister reminisce about their time there as children and childhood memories come flooding back, including a disagreement they still have.

Camilla and her sister Annabel (left) still argue over a teddy bear incident (Millie Pilkington / COUNTRY LIFE PICTURE LIBRARY)

Annabel admits they have a "disputed childhood memory" over her beloved teddy bear, which was actually buried in the garden by Camilla.

It was only decades later that the Duchess actually owned up to the prank.

"She only owned up to me about a month before I got married that she buried it," explains Annabel

Camilla explains: "My sister and I had had a bit of an argument so I buried him. Sibling rivalry.

"Yes, Tiddy Bar - he had a very happy resting ground. In the rose garden."

While admitting it was a good way for her teddy to end his life, Annabel still holds a grudge all these years later.

When asked if Camilla has been forgiven, she says: "Certaintly not. It still rankles to this day."

Annabel confesses they were naughty kids but held their grandmothers in great respect so they were very well behaved.

On whether Camilla was bossy, she says: "Quite, but i think i held my own. We're quite close in age there's only 18 months between us. We are very close and speak most days."

The two sisters recall rolling down the hills, catching butterflies, dressing correctly for their strict grandmother and which of the furnishings they each now have in their respective homes.

We also join The Duchess at the dining room table in Clarence House, as she rolls up her sleeves in her guest editor role, to inspect the final page proofs of her special edition of Country Life.

Looking at the article she has personally written about The Prince of Wales, she says: "It's not easy to write about your husband. I bit through several pencils…"

There is also time to catch up with some of the people who know her best.

The Duchess' good friend Sarah Troughton, The Queen’s first cousin once removed, says of Her Royal Highness: "She's certainly not a prude. She’s got a wicked sense of humour - risqué as well as naughty - and that’s what gives her her charm."

* Camilla's Country Life airs tonight on ITV at 9pm

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