But she is fast winning over the House of Windsor and now faces her toughest assignment yet -- dinner at the White House where 20 years ago Diana famously danced with John Travolta.

Courtiers are carefully choreographing a campaign to win acceptance of Camilla, once reviled by British tabloids as the mistress who broke up Charles' marriage to Diana.

The trip to the United States from November 1-8 is the royal couple's first official tour abroad since they married in April after a 35-year love affair.

"Diana had the combination of status and sex appeal which made her more starry than a movie star," said Wade. "Camilla scrubs up well but it takes an army of make-up artists and dress designers. Diana had it naturally."

The House of Windsor, once dubbed Britain's most dysfunctional family after years of divorce, scandal and tragedy, are now playing happy families.

Evening Standard royal correspondent Robert Jobson, who broke the news of Charles' engagement to Camilla, said: "There is no comparison with Diana, a superstar in her own right.

"Charles and Camilla are seen as a double act with her in the supporting role. The biggest fear faced by the royal family is if there is no reaction -- just apathy."

Jobson said: "Camilla is well and truly in the fold. She has taken a leading position in the monarchy and is effectively going to be queen one day."

On Tuesday night, Queen Elizabeth lent Camilla a diamond-encrusted tiara for her first royal banquet at Buckingham Palace when she sat beside Norway's King Harald.

Tabloids had mercilessly mocked the long-time lovers in the chaotic run-up to their marriage but on Wednesday they were full of praise as they splashed photos of Camilla in the tiara. The Daily Mail hailed the "Queen of Diamonds" on its front page.

A spokesman for Charles said: "The United States is our closest ally and the royal couple will very much be representing British interests in America."

In Washington, they are having both lunch and dinner with President George W. Bush. In California, they will meet the homeless and talk to organic farmers.

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