The Duchess of Cornwall allegedly entered the property discussion which was dubbed “the Battle of Belgravia” to make her disapproval of the controversial plan known. The Duke of Westminster’s real estate group Hugh Grosvenor faced a storm of criticism of the plan and was accused of operating with a “profit before people” policy.
The project, which received a green light from Westminster City Hall, will see four blocks of the apartment block near Victoria Station demolished and replaced with new housing.
The Stack House on Cundy Street was called “artiso flats” at that time due to the large number of blue bloods living there.
Camilla lived in a two-bedroom apartment during her 20s before marrying Andrew Parker-Bowles.
In 1972, the then 25-year-old invited Prince Charles back to her home for coffee after an evening at Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair.
Several local residents opposed the reconstruction plans.
The Duchess of Cornwall privately revealed her concerns, according to The Telegraph.
The planned construction will reach 48 m in height in some parts and neighbors fear that it will block sunlight.
Many have argued that the design will look out of place in the old and sophisticated area of Belgravia.
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Leading the campaign to prevent construction works from moving forward is Dame Susan Tinson, former ITV editor.
Dame Tinson, who was responsible for producing the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts during her TV tenure, said her home would be directly affected by the project.
The 78-year-old man told the Sunday Telegraph: “I just thought at the beginning that they couldn’t be serious.
“They can’t be completely ruining the life of a line of people, but they don’t seem to care.
“There is a difference between buying a dark house and buying a light house and then having the darkness imposed on you.
“Grosvenor must be Belgravia’s guardian. It is all very disturbing. “
Camilla, 73, worked as a secretary at several companies in the West End during her single days.
She later got a job as a receptionist at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, a decoration company based in Mayfair.
Before moving to the Belgravia apartment, she lived in a small apartment in Kensington with her friend Jane Wyndham, niece of decorator Nancy Lancaster.