LONDON (AP) – The romance of King Charles III and Queen Camilla is far from a simple fairy tale. Their love story, which started over 50 years ago, weathered the challenges of complex family dynamics, tumultuous marriages, and public scrutiny. This week, the royal couple marks the 20th anniversary of their marriage, a significant milestone that underscores the difficulties they faced, particularly with the shadow of Princess Diana looming large for much of their relationship.
Sally Bedell Smith, a biographer of Charles, noted that their love story has often been overlooked in favor of more glamorous narratives, such as that of Charles's first marriage to Diana Spencer in 1981. Camilla's role in their relationship became particularly complicated following Diana's tragic death in a car crash in 1997, which reignited public resentment toward Camilla, associating her with the downfall of Charles's first marriage.
The history of Charles and Camilla's relationship can be traced back to their meeting in the 1970s. Charles, a young naval officer at the time, fell in love with Camilla, but was soon deployed for eight months. During his absence, Camilla accepted a marriage proposal from cavalry officer Andrew Parker Bowles. Despite their respective marriages—Charles to Diana and Camilla to Andrew—Charles and Camilla maintained their friendship, and when both of their marriages ended in the mid-1990s, they rekindled their romantic connection.
Their wedding on April 9, 2005, was notably understated compared to Charles’s lavish ceremony with Diana. The couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony in Windsor with just 30 guests, including Charles's sons, Princes William and Harry. Following their private ceremony, a blessing service at St. George's Chapel included 800 guests. Reactions from the public were mixed, with some expressing disapproval, but the couple received significant support as well.
Since their marriage, Charles and Camilla's relationship has grown stronger and more stable. Marriage and relationship expert Julie Gottman highlighted that the foundation of their bond is grounded in friendship, trust, commitment, and shared purpose, which are critical for a lasting partnership. Public sentiment toward Camilla has softened over the years, as she has taken an active role in numerous charity initiatives, advocating for causes like literacy, domestic violence, and child protection—showing her commitment to connecting with contemporary societal issues.
Camilla's personality, described as down-to-earth and relatable, has contributed to the positive public perception of her as Queen. Both she and Charles share a passion for animals, particularly dogs and horses, and appear genuinely happy together. Royal historian George Gross remarked that their relationship mirrors Charles’s parents' dynamic, as Elizabeth referred to Philip as her “strength and stay” during their historic 70-year marriage. This demonstrates the strength and resilience found in long-term partnerships.
The relationship has been tested further by Charles’s cancer diagnosis, which led him to temporarily halt public engagements. During this challenging time, Camilla stepped up to bolster the royal family’s public presence, highlighting her supportive role as a partner. When Charles resumed his royal duties, Camilla adjusted her visibility, allowing him to take the lead while remaining close by as a supportive figure.
Ultimately, experts suggest that Camilla’s desire was not merely to hold the title of Queen, but to be a true companion and love to Charles. Her dedication and their shared history have laid the groundwork for a relationship that has withstood the test of time and public opinion.
