The path of true love never runs smooth! No truer words can be said about the relationship between Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Their relationship began back in the 1970s, when Prince Charles was the ultimate catch. His name was linked to many women including Princess Marie Astrid of Luxembourg, Lady Jane Wellesley, and the actress Susan George. At one point he dated Lady Sarah Spencer, sister of his future wife, Lady Diana Spencer. However one name became synonymous with him: Camilla Shand (later Camilla Parker-Bowles).
Charles met Camilla during a Polo match in 1970. Both were keen on horses and were attracted immediately. While Charles wanted to marry her, she was not seen as a suitable future Queen. By 1972, Charles had gone into the armed forces and went overseas for his military service, while Camilla married Andrew Parker-Bowles in July 1973. Camilla had two children from this marriage - Tom and Laura.
On 29 July 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer and had two children, Prince William and Prince Harry. On the surface, Charles and Camilla remained friends, but in 1995, Mrs Parker-Bowles was divorced by her husband on the grounds that she had had a long-term affair with the Prince of Wales.
The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, changed their lives dramatically. After a period of mourning, Charles was free to marry again, and, with Camilla being divorced, it was only a matter of time before their relationship became serious and in the public spotlight. Camilla unofficially accompanied Charles on a few public events and she became a hit. On 10 February 2005, Charles and Camilla announced their engagement. Charles gave his new fiancee a ring, which was a family heirloom.
There were, however, a few challenges associated with the marriage. First was that Camilla and Charles were divorced, so there could not be a Church marriage service in a Church of England church. Then the Queen's permission had to be sought, and this was granted. The civil service was to be conducted at Windsor Castle, but this could not happen as a civil marriage licence would mean opening the castle to the public for weddings. Therefore, the venue was moved to Windsor Guildhall. Then the wedding had to be delayed by a day in order for the Prince to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II. So it was decided to have a Civil Ceremony, followed by a Church Blessing. Prince Charles was the first member of the Royal Family to be married by civil ceremony.
On Saturday 9 April 2005, Prince Charles married the love of his life. It was a beautiful day, and the bride looked radiant for the Civil Ceremony in an oyster-silk basket-weave coat and a chiffon dress, designed by Robinson Valentine. Her hat was designed by Philip Treacy. Then, for the Blessing at St George's Chapel, she wore a porcelain-blue silk dress with hand-embroidered gold thread work. This was topped with gold-leaf feathers and Swarovski Diamonds.
Prince Charles and Camilla after their Civil Ceremony.
The Queen did not attend the civil wedding ceremony because of her position as Head of the Church of England, but she did attend the church blessing and hosted a reception afterwards. The wedding was a huge success. Crowds gathered in the streets of Windsor hoping for a glimpse of the couple. Prince William and Tom Parker-Bowles were witnesses. The wedding rings were made from welsh gold.
Since her wedding, Camilla has used the title of Duchess of Cornwall, and in Scotland, Duchess of Rothesay. She carries out royal duties on her own as well as with the Prince of Wales, and has become a Patron of a number of charities.
World History
