Main points
- Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005, after 35 years of a difficult relationship that began in the 1970s.
- Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Camilla was proclaimed Queen Consort and crowned alongside Charles III in 2023.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla / Photo Getty Images
Their love affair was called “the most scandalous affair in Great Britain.” She was called “that woman” and accused of destroying the royal marriage. He went to her for 35 years, contrary to protocol, the church, the Queen Mother and the opinion of millions. On April 9, 2005, Charles III and Camilla finally became husband and wife. And this wedding was unlike any other in the history of the Windsors.
- 1 Charles and Camilla's first meeting
- 2 Relationships That Led to Divorce
- 3 Diana's Death and Years in the Shadows
- 4 Engagement and Royal Wedding
- 5 The image of the bride
- 6 Camilla's Title: From “Princess Consort” To Queen
24 Channel recalled what that wedding was like and how the relationship between the couple, who today holds the British throne, developed.
Charles and Camilla's first meeting
The future couple met in the early 1970s at a polo match. At that time, Charles was 22 years old, Camilla was 23. According to acquaintances, Camilla immediately impressed the prince with her spontaneity and sense of humor. The prince was fascinated by her wit, sharp mind and ability to laugh at his jokes. However, the relationship did not receive approval and development. Queen Elizabeth II sent her son to naval service. Charles wrote letters to Camilla, but in 1973 she married officer Andrew Parker Bowles. The couple had two children: son Tom and daughter Laura. Charles himself married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The wedding was broadcast all over the world, and the British perceived this couple as the embodiment of a fairy tale.
Charles and Camilla in 1972 / Photo Getty Images
Relationships that led to divorce
However, Charles and Diana's marriage was unhappy. The couple had different views on life, and the prince maintained a close relationship with Camilla for many years. In 1993, British tabloids published recordings of a sensual telephone conversation between Charles and Camilla. The scandal was called “Camillagate”. In 1995, Princess Diana gave an interview to the BBC in which she said: “There were three of us in this marriage”. This confirmed the assumption about the romance between Charles and Camilla. In 1996, Charles and Diana officially divorced. Camilla divorced her husband the same year.
Diana's death and the years in the shadows
Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. During this period, public hostility towards Camilla reached its peak. She was considered guilty of the destruction of Charles and Diana's marriage. Camilla avoided public events for a long time. Charles and Camilla's first joint appearance took place only in 1999 at a party at the Ritz Hotel in London. Gradually, public opinion began to change. Camilla accompanied Charles to official events, although her status remained uncertain.
Charles and Camilla's exit after the death of Princess Diana / Photo Getty Images
Engagement and royal wedding
After the death of Princess Diana, Charles waited eight years before proposing to Camilla. This was due to the fact that his sons did not immediately approve of this marriage, and the public was extremely negative about Camilla. Already on April 9, 2005, an event took place that Great Britain had been waiting for decades, but many considered impossible. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles officially became husband and wife. As the head of the Church of England, Her Majesty had long disapproved of her son's remarriage with a woman who, like Charles, had a divorce under her belt. Only after much hesitation and consultation did she give her official consent. Without this permission, the wedding could not take place according to royal traditions.
Charles and Camilla's wedding / Photo Getty Images
The ceremony was held at Windsor Guildhall, not St Paul's Cathedral, where Charles married Diana. It was a civil ceremony. This was because the Church of England had long disapproved of the marriage of divorced people. About 30 people, mostly family members, were present.
Queen Elizabeth II was not present at the civil ceremony at the Town Hall, but did attend the blessing at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Bride's image
For the wedding, Camilla chose an ivory dress by Robinson Valentine. Over the dress was a light blue suit. Her headpiece was a hat by Philip Treacy, decorated with ostrich feathers. For the blessing ceremony at St. George's Chapel, Camilla appeared in a champagne dress and a long embroidered coat. Among the accessories in her hair were gold feathers.
Camilla's title: from “princess consort” to queen
After the wedding, Camilla received the title of Duchess of Cornwall. It was announced that when Charles becomes king, Camilla will bear the title of “princess consort” (wife of the prince). This decision was made so as not to offend the memory of Princess Diana. However, the situation changed in 2022. After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla was proclaimed queen consort. On May 6, 2023, she was crowned together with Charles III at Westminster Abbey.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla / Photo Getty Images
The history of the relationship between Charles III and Camilla lasted more than 35 years from the moment they met to the wedding. It was accompanied by scandals, condemnation from society and a change in attitude towards the royal family. Today, the couple heads the British throne, and is a vivid example of the fact that pure and sincere love can withstand any tests.