An unlikely meeting of icons stunned and delighted fans recently when former TOWIE star Gemma Collins was pictured meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The surprise meeting – which happened at a conservation charity event called The Animal Ball at London’s Lancaster House – saw Gemma grinning and gushing at Charles and Camilla, telling Charles, “You really are king of the planet”.
She was later filmed bowing to Camilla and the two were spotted engaging in conversation, with Camilla complimenting Gemma’s headpiece.
And insiders say self-proclaimed diva Gemma, 42 – also known as “The GC” – loved meeting Camilla so much, she’s hoping to spend more time with her.
The source says, “Gemma was in her element meeting Charles and Camilla, they were everything she’d expected and more. She said they were more down-to-earth than some celebs she knows and they bonded over their passion to save the planet. She’s very much into helping environmental causes and animal charities – her social media is full of serious stuff like that, it’s a side of her which may surprise some people.
“They made her feel totally at ease – especially Camilla – and Gem is determined that this won’t be their last meeting. She wants to get more involved with The Prince’s Trust and is hoping to build a relationship with the King and Queen.”
Gemma – who is engaged to Rami Hawash – has had a meteoric rise to stardom, after finding fame on TOWIE in 2011. After iconic appearances on I’m A Celebrity!, Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, Gemma became an icon, earning millions launching clothing ranges and starring in brand deals.
She already has friends in high places – she’s best pals with the Kardashians’ close friend Jonathan Cheban, spending time with him in LA while filming her reality show. Hollywood actor Chris Pratt has also admitted to being a huge fan, and earlier this year she shared a video of her and singer Sam Smith cosying up together.
Over the years, Gemma has opened up about her ambition. She likened herself to a royal earlier this year, and when reflecting on her past as a TOWIE star, she said, “I’m like an international superstar. I’m in a different league now, hun. I’ve worked really hard and I’m in a different category now.”
And the source adds that Gemma’s hoping that her newfound friendship with Camilla could open more doors in the future.
The source says, “Gemma has said that her main aim is to get her new bestie Camilla to Essex. She can see that Camilla’s got a naughty side to her too and loves the idea of taking her on a wild night out. Or, if security is an issue, she’ll invite her to her own ‘Essex palace’ so they can gossip away from prying eyes. Gem really thinks it will happen – she knows the royals want to be seen as more ‘in touch’, so this would be a win-win for them all.
“Although she has admitted her main aim is to get an invitation to Buckingham Palace and go to a garden party there so she can network with the very best of society. The GC has no limits when it comes to ambition and getting what she wants – it will happen!”
