Yeah, still sloppy research on the reporter's part and if true, on Brandreth's part. The phrase concerning the "itinerate" painter is put as such as to sound extremely snobbish, as if Camilla's family, her past family were "common".
Nellie, I didn't see in the article where the young guy sought/obtained permission from Camilla to publish her letter. I may have missed it, though.
You know I've read some stories concerning Catherine having written a letter to I think a family and it was published and nothing was mentioned that her permission was obtained, but perhaps it was and it wasn't included in the article. I don't know, I'll be honest.