Camilla Parker Bowles is set to become Queen Camilla at the coronation on May 6. However, apart from her love story with King Charles, there are many more interesting aspects to her journey. Here’s a closer look at the life of Camilla Parker Bowles, including her background and decade-long romance with Charles.
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1. Camila Parker Bowles was once Camilla Shand
Camilla Shand was born on July 17, 1947 into a wealthy, aristocratic family. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, was a former British Army officer, and her mother, Rosalind Cubitt, was a member of the Ashcombe family of barons. According to PopSugar, her mother's debutante ball in 1939 was attended by King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth; and the press named Rosalind 'debutante of the year'.
2. Marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles
Camilla met officer of the Horse Guards, Andrew Parker Bowles, in the late 1960s and it’s believed they dated for a few years. In 1973, Camilla Shand became Camilla Parker Bowles when they got married. Camilla and Andrew welcomed two children: Thomas and Laura Parker Bowles. In 1995, after 22 years together, the couple announced their divorce. At the time, they described it as a 'private matter'.
3. Relationship with King Charles
Brides reports that in 1972, Camilla met Charles, the then-Prince of Wales, at a polo match. After that, Charles would regularly be a guest of Camilla and Andrew, while the couple were also invited to luxurious parties of the Royal Family. Interestingly, Charles is the godfather of Camilla and Andrew’s son, Thomas.
In 1993, it was revealed that Prince Charles and Camilla were having an extramarital affair when a transcript of a phone call between the two was leaked. This eventuallyled to the divorce of Prince Charles and his wife at the time, the late Princess Diana, as well as that of Camilla and Andrew.
At first, both the Royal Family and the entire British public showed disapproval of Prince Charles’ relationship with Camilla because of the scandal. Nonetheless, Camilla gradually gained public approval through her dedication to supporting charities and social organizations, such as those for domestic violence victims.
4. Acceptance into Royal Family
On April 9, 2005,eight years after the tragic accident that caused Diana's death, Camilla and Prince Charles were married in a civil ceremony in Windsor and she became the Duchess of Cornwall.
In early 2022, the Duchess of Cornwall was honoured with the title of Lady of the Order of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth, which is the most prestigious title of British chivalry.
Many thought that upon the death of Queen Elizabeth that Camilla was would become and remain Queen Consort. Today, things are much clearer, the Consort title will be dropped and she will be known as simply Queen Camilla.
5. Enjoying her role as grandmother
At the age of 75, Camilla enjoys spending time with her grandkids in the Royal Family, such as Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, as well as five grandchildren from her son, Tom, and daughter, Laura.
This article has been adapted from Oh!mymag FR.
Sources used:
PopSugar: 'Camilla Parker Bowles's Parents Weren't Royal, but They Were a High-Class Family'
Brides: 'King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles's Relationship Timeline'
