Queen Camilla has cultivated an unexpected friendship with Geri Halliwell, the former Spice Girl who has been joining Her Majesty at various official duties.
When King Charles took the throne in September 2022, the Queen chose to abandon the traditional role of ladies-in-waiting, opting instead to call her six female assistants "Queen's companions".
The 53-year-old pop star, best known as Ginger Spice from the group behind hits like Wannabe, now serves as an ambassador for the Royal Commonwealth Society.
In this capacity, Ms Halliwell has been spotted alongside the 78-year-old monarch at multiple recent public appearances.
Queen Camilla has gained an unlikely new confidante in former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell
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At the Commonwealth Day Service held at Westminster Abbey in March, Ms Halliwell delivered an impassioned address centred on female empowerment and unity.
Two months prior, she accompanied the Queen to Maggie's cancer support centre in Cheltenham, where the pair marked the charity's 30th anniversary.
A friend of the King and Queen described the arrangement: "Geri supports most of her prominent causes and Camilla has taken her with her on a few visits to charities.
"Like a lady-in-waiting, but more so. They arrive together in the royal style.
Queen Camilla and Geri Halliwell pictured in January 2026
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"Geri listens intently while people confide their stories to her, touching an arm or a hand."
The pair share a mutual love of horses, which has fuelled speculation about whether Ms Halliwell might appear at Royal Ascot.
The friend added: "They do have horses in common.
"I'd put money on her being at Royal Ascot in a carriage sometime."
Queen Camilla and Geri Halliwell pictured last year at St James's Palace
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Questions remain over whether Ms Halliwell and her husband, former Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner, 52, will receive an invitation to dine at Windsor Castle this week before joining the Royal Procession down the Straight Mile to the racecourse.
The couple have constructed stables accommodating 14 horses at their property on the Oxfordshire-Northamptonshire border.
Lord Lloyd-Webber and his wife Madeleine have previously been guests in the royal carriage processions.