01of 30Queen Camilla is bornWilliam Vanderson/Fox Photos/Getty ImagesCamilla Rosemary Shand(pictured left) was born on July 17, 1947, in London, England, to Bruce and Rosemary Shand. Her father served in the British Army before going into business, and her mother was the daughter of a baron.The eldest of three children, Camilla grew up in East Sussex and attended the all-girls Queen’s Gate School. She completed her studies at a Swiss finishing school and the University of London Institute in Paris.She made her debut as a debutante at age 17 in 1965, likely unaware that she would cross paths with the world’s most eligible bachelor five years later.
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Queen Camilla is born
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Camilla Rosemary Shand(pictured left) was born on July 17, 1947, in London, England, to Bruce and Rosemary Shand. Her father served in the British Army before going into business, and her mother was the daughter of a baron.
The eldest of three children, Camilla grew up in East Sussex and attended the all-girls Queen’s Gate School. She completed her studies at a Swiss finishing school and the University of London Institute in Paris.
She made her debut as a debutante at age 17 in 1965, likely unaware that she would cross paths with the world’s most eligible bachelor five years later.
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Queen Camilla meets King Charles
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Camilla met then-Prince Charlesin 1970 through a mutual friend, and the two hit it off immediately.
Though sparks flew between the two, the relationship became strained when Charles joined the Royal Navy a year later. Complicating the situation, Camilla didn’t have what were then viewed as prerequisites for marrying the Prince of Wales — an aristocratic bloodline and her virginity.
03of 30Queen Camilla marries Andrew Parker BowlesWood/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesCharles and Camilla parted ways, and she reconnected withAndrew Parker Bowles(who was coincidentally a former boyfriend of Charles' sister,Princess Anne), whom she first met in the late-1960s.While Charles was stationed aboard in the Caribbean, Camilla accepted Parker Bowles' marriage proposal. They wed on July 4, 1973, and would go on towelcome two children: son Tom, in 1974 and daughter Laura, in 1978.
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Queen Camilla marries Andrew Parker Bowles
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Charles and Camilla parted ways, and she reconnected withAndrew Parker Bowles(who was coincidentally a former boyfriend of Charles' sister,Princess Anne), whom she first met in the late-1960s.
While Charles was stationed aboard in the Caribbean, Camilla accepted Parker Bowles' marriage proposal. They wed on July 4, 1973, and would go on towelcome two children: son Tom, in 1974 and daughter Laura, in 1978.
04of 30Queen Camilla and King Charles stay friendsDavid Cole/ShutterstockThough she was off the market, Charles and Camilla remained friends. Here, they leave the Royal Opera House together onValentine’s Dayin 1975.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles stay friends
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Though she was off the market, Charles and Camilla remained friends. Here, they leave the Royal Opera House together onValentine’s Dayin 1975.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles follow their feelings
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“Camilla was the one who pulled him through … she was the only one who could console him,” the author wrote.
06of 30Queen Camilla spends time with Princess DianaExpress Newspapers/Archive Photos/GettyWhile still spending time with Camilla, Charles began courtingLady Diana Spenceras a prospective princess in 1980. Here, the two women attend one of his equestrian events together that year.In 1981, Charles and Diana married in the “wedding of the century,” which Camilla attended.The royal marriage was faithful at first, and Diana gave birth to two sons —Prince Williamin 1982, andPrince Harryin 1984.Though they were both married with young children, Charles and Camilla began seeing each other again in 1986.
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Queen Camilla spends time with Princess Diana
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While still spending time with Camilla, Charles began courtingLady Diana Spenceras a prospective princess in 1980. Here, the two women attend one of his equestrian events together that year.
In 1981, Charles and Diana married in the “wedding of the century,” which Camilla attended.
The royal marriage was faithful at first, and Diana gave birth to two sons —Prince Williamin 1982, andPrince Harryin 1984.
Though they were both married with young children, Charles and Camilla began seeing each other again in 1986.
07of 30Queen Camilla divorces Andrew Parker BowlesMathieu Polak/Sygma/Sygma via Getty ImagesThe affair became public knowledge in 1992, when an intimate tape of conversations was leaked to the press. Charles and Diana officially announced their separation later that year.Weeks later, in January 1995, Camilla and her husband also announced they would be divorcing. The split was made official in March.In 2017, the Queen Consortopened up about her affair with Charlesand how it impacted her life. “I couldn’t really go anywhere. But the children came and went as normal — they just got on with it, and so did great friends,” shetoldThe Daily Mail. “It was horrid. It was a deeply unpleasant time and I wouldn’t want to put my worst enemy through it.”
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Queen Camilla divorces Andrew Parker Bowles
Mathieu Polak/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images
The affair became public knowledge in 1992, when an intimate tape of conversations was leaked to the press. Charles and Diana officially announced their separation later that year.
Weeks later, in January 1995, Camilla and her husband also announced they would be divorcing. The split was made official in March.
In 2017, the Queen Consortopened up about her affair with Charlesand how it impacted her life. “I couldn’t really go anywhere. But the children came and went as normal — they just got on with it, and so did great friends,” shetoldThe Daily Mail. “It was horrid. It was a deeply unpleasant time and I wouldn’t want to put my worst enemy through it.”
08of 30Queen Camilla carries onMathieu Polak/Sygma/ Sygma via Getty ImagesCamilla seemed to be deep in thought during this 1995 ride. That year, Princess Diana addressed her estranged husband’s affair in anexplosive interview with BBC’sPanorama, famously saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.“The then-Prince and Princess of Wales divorced on Aug. 28, 1996. One year later, Dianawas tragically killed in a car crashin Paris.Charles traveled to retrieve her body andbring it back to London, where thousands lined the streets to mourn her death.As the world grieved, Charles and Camilla’s relationship was “forced back into the shadows,” Graham wrote.
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Queen Camilla carries on
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Camilla seemed to be deep in thought during this 1995 ride. That year, Princess Diana addressed her estranged husband’s affair in anexplosive interview with BBC’sPanorama, famously saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”
The then-Prince and Princess of Wales divorced on Aug. 28, 1996. One year later, Dianawas tragically killed in a car crashin Paris.
Charles traveled to retrieve her body andbring it back to London, where thousands lined the streets to mourn her death.
As the world grieved, Charles and Camilla’s relationship was “forced back into the shadows,” Graham wrote.
09of 30Queen Camilla and King Charles make their public debutTim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images; UK PressThree years after Diana died, Charles and Camilla appeared in public together for the first time. There, they descended the steps of the Ritz Hotel in London following a birthday party for Camilla’s sister,Annabel Elliot.The highly publicized photo op marked the first step of a campaign to win public approval for the relationship.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles make their public debut
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images; UK Press
Three years after Diana died, Charles and Camilla appeared in public together for the first time. There, they descended the steps of the Ritz Hotel in London following a birthday party for Camilla’s sister,Annabel Elliot.
The highly publicized photo op marked the first step of a campaign to win public approval for the relationship.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles move forward
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Charles and Camilla slowly took their relationship into spotlight over the next few years. In 2000,Queen Elizabethattended a lunch that the couple was at — a subtle but significant acknowledgment of their relationship. Camilla began attending public events with King Charles that year.
In 2003, she moved into Clarence House, Charles' new London home, and received her own office space.
11of 30Queen Camilla and King Charles get engagedJOHN STILLWELL/AFP via Getty ImagesOn Feb. 10, 2005 — 35 years after they first met — Charles and Camillaannounced their engagement, celebrating with a party at Windsor Castle.King Charles proposed with a family heirloom — an emerald-cut diamond ring believed to have belonged to his grandmother, the Queen Mother.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles get engaged
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On Feb. 10, 2005 — 35 years after they first met — Charles and Camillaannounced their engagement, celebrating with a party at Windsor Castle.
King Charles proposed with a family heirloom — an emerald-cut diamond ring believed to have belonged to his grandmother, the Queen Mother.
12of 30Queen Camilla and King Charles marryGeorges De Keerle/GettyThe couplewed in a civil ceremonyat Windsor Guildhall on April 9.Though the Queen andPrince Philipdid not attend, they were present for the subsequent blessing at St. George’s Chapel, and hosted a reception in the couple’s honor.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles marry
Georges De Keerle/Getty
The couplewed in a civil ceremonyat Windsor Guildhall on April 9.
Though the Queen andPrince Philipdid not attend, they were present for the subsequent blessing at St. George’s Chapel, and hosted a reception in the couple’s honor.
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Queen Camilla and Kings Charles blend families
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Celebrating the union, the royal family posed for photos in theWhite Drawing Room at Windsor Castleon the wedding day.
It was then announced that Camilla would formally use the titleHer Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
14of 30Queen Camilla wears a tiaraPool/Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty ImagesSix months after she became a royal, Camilla had her first major tiara moment at a banquet at Buckingham Palace.There, she sparkled in the swirling Durbar tiara, on loan fromQueen Elizabeth— only the third time the piece had been seen in public.
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Queen Camilla wears a tiara
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Six months after she became a royal, Camilla had her first major tiara moment at a banquet at Buckingham Palace.
There, she sparkled in the swirling Durbar tiara, on loan fromQueen Elizabeth— only the third time the piece had been seen in public.
15of 30Queen Camilla and King Charles try a pintAnwar Hussein Collection/GettyCheers to married life!The then-newlywedstried pints of bitter during an official visit to Bury St. Edmunds in England in 2005.
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Queen Camilla and King Charles try a pint
Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty
Cheers to married life!The then-newlywedstried pints of bitter during an official visit to Bury St. Edmunds in England in 2005.
16of 30Queen Camilla presents a medalAnwar Hussein/WireImageCarrying out her official royal duties, Camilla meets British Army soldiers in this 2007 photo. Here, she presents the service members with operational medals upon for their tour of Iraq.
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Queen Camilla presents a medal
Anwar Hussein/WireImage
Carrying out her official royal duties, Camilla meets British Army soldiers in this 2007 photo. Here, she presents the service members with operational medals upon for their tour of Iraq.
17of 30Queen Camilla campaigns for changeChris Jackson/Getty ImagesCamilla spoke about a cause close to her heart while giving a speech at the headquarters of the National Osteoporosis Society in 2009.Now known as theRoyal Osteoporosis Society, Camilla got involved with the organization in 1994, after her mother Rosalind died from the bone disease at age 72.In the years since, Camilla has maderaising awareness about the conditionone of the key focuses of her royal work. The Royal Osteoporosis Society was the Queen Consort’s first patronage, and she has served as its president since 2001.“I thinkI’d like to see more young people being educated. I’d love to see more young people understand it, not just thinking, you know, ‘Poor old bats, we’re going to get old and that’s what’s going to happen to us,'” shetoldBBC Morning Livein a 2021 interview for World Osteoporosis Day. “But actually understanding what actually happens and how they can prevent it.”
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Queen Camilla campaigns for change
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Camilla spoke about a cause close to her heart while giving a speech at the headquarters of the National Osteoporosis Society in 2009.
Now known as theRoyal Osteoporosis Society, Camilla got involved with the organization in 1994, after her mother Rosalind died from the bone disease at age 72.
In the years since, Camilla has maderaising awareness about the conditionone of the key focuses of her royal work. The Royal Osteoporosis Society was the Queen Consort’s first patronage, and she has served as its president since 2001.
“I thinkI’d like to see more young people being educated. I’d love to see more young people understand it, not just thinking, you know, ‘Poor old bats, we’re going to get old and that’s what’s going to happen to us,'” shetoldBBC Morning Livein a 2021 interview for World Osteoporosis Day. “But actually understanding what actually happens and how they can prevent it.”
18of 30Queen Camilla chats with Michelle Obamarota/Anwar Hussein/Getty ImagesThe royal spoke withMichelle Obamaduring a 2011 state visit to the U.K.Michelle’s husband,Barack Obama, was then serving in his first term as president of the United States.
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Queen Camilla chats with Michelle Obama
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The royal spoke withMichelle Obamaduring a 2011 state visit to the U.K.
Michelle’s husband,Barack Obama, was then serving in his first term as president of the United States.
19of 30Queen Camilla meets schoolchildrenSamir Hussein/WireImageThe future Queen Consort was all smiles as she spoke with schoolchildren while making her way into a London event in 2012. The young students lined up to meet Camilla, waving small Union Flags to give her a warm welcome.
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Queen Camilla meets schoolchildren
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The future Queen Consort was all smiles as she spoke with schoolchildren while making her way into a London event in 2012. The young students lined up to meet Camilla, waving small Union Flags to give her a warm welcome.
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Queen Camilla smiles with Queen Elizabeth
There’s nothing quite like some mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bonding! Camilla andQueen Elizabethseemed to be at ease in each other’s company during a 2013 outing at the Ebony Horse Club and Community Riding Centre.
21of 30Queen Camilla and her children cheer on a horse raceMatt Cardy - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesThe lifelong equestrian eagerly followed the 2015 Cheltenham Festival races from the royal box with her children, Tom and Laura, who seemed to be just as intrigued.Although Camilla revealed toThe Mail on Sundaythatshe no longer rides horsesin 2023, she still owns a couple of racehorses. “I think I’m too old but I have racehorses. Last night I watched on my screen one of the foals being born, which was very exciting,” she said.
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Queen Camilla and her children cheer on a horse race
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The lifelong equestrian eagerly followed the 2015 Cheltenham Festival races from the royal box with her children, Tom and Laura, who seemed to be just as intrigued.
Although Camilla revealed toThe Mail on Sundaythatshe no longer rides horsesin 2023, she still owns a couple of racehorses. “I think I’m too old but I have racehorses. Last night I watched on my screen one of the foals being born, which was very exciting,” she said.
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Queen Camilla sparkles at a state dinner
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Charles and Camilla smiled alongside the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince William andKate Middletonat the annual Diplomatic Corps Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2016.
Camilla was appointed to the Order in 2012; Kate would be bestowed the honor in 2019.
23of 30Queen Camilla visits Wales with King CharlesChris Jackson/Getty ImagesCamilla and Charles shared a loving look during a visit to a community center in Wales in 2018.Celebrating his spouse in conversation withCNNin honor of their 10-year anniversary, Charles said, “It’s always marvelous to have somebody who, you know, you feel understands and wants to encourage.“Although she certainly pokes fun if I get too serious about things. And all that helps,” he added.
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Queen Camilla visits Wales with King Charles
Camilla and Charles shared a loving look during a visit to a community center in Wales in 2018.
Celebrating his spouse in conversation withCNNin honor of their 10-year anniversary, Charles said, “It’s always marvelous to have somebody who, you know, you feel understands and wants to encourage.
“Although she certainly pokes fun if I get too serious about things. And all that helps,” he added.
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Queen Camilla takes part in tradition
Camilla earnestly participates in the royal family’s many customs and rituals. The Queen Consort followed the 2018 flypast commemorating the Royal Air Force’s centennial from Buckingham Palace balcony with her famous family — which officially included Prince Harry’s wife,Meghan Markle.
25of 30Queen Camilla volunteers during the pandemicAndrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesReporting for duty during the coronavirus pandemic, Camilla suited up in PPE to serve lunch at The Royal Voluntary Service Lunch Club in October 2020.Camilla visited in her role as patron of the Royal Voluntary Service, which immediately mobilized to help those in need when the global health crisis began.
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Queen Camilla volunteers during the pandemic
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Reporting for duty during the coronavirus pandemic, Camilla suited up in PPE to serve lunch at The Royal Voluntary Service Lunch Club in October 2020.
Camilla visited in her role as patron of the Royal Voluntary Service, which immediately mobilized to help those in need when the global health crisis began.
26of 30Queen Camilla jokes with Queen Elizabeth and Kate MiddletonOli Scarff - WPA Pool / Getty ImagesCamilla and Kate watched on asQueen Elizabeth(with sword in hand!) eyed the icing on a cake commemorating The Big Lunch project during the G7 Summit in 2021.The royals met with volunteers spearheading the campaign, which encourages people to meet up for meals with fellow members of their local communities in honor of thePlatinum Jubilee.
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Queen Camilla jokes with Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton
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Camilla and Kate watched on asQueen Elizabeth(with sword in hand!) eyed the icing on a cake commemorating The Big Lunch project during the G7 Summit in 2021.
The royals met with volunteers spearheading the campaign, which encourages people to meet up for meals with fellow members of their local communities in honor of thePlatinum Jubilee.
27of 30Queen Camilla celebrates the Platinum JubileeChris Jackson/Getty ImagesCamilla couldn’t help but laugh at youngPrince Louis’adorable anticsduring the Platinum Jubilee Pageant!A palace insider told PEOPLE it was sweet the world got to seea glimpse of Charles and Camilla in grandparent modeduring the “utterly charming” and unexpected moment Louis hopped on to his grandfather’s lap.
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Queen Camilla celebrates the Platinum Jubilee
Camilla couldn’t help but laugh at youngPrince Louis’adorable anticsduring the Platinum Jubilee Pageant!
A palace insider told PEOPLE it was sweet the world got to seea glimpse of Charles and Camilla in grandparent modeduring the “utterly charming” and unexpected moment Louis hopped on to his grandfather’s lap.
28of 30Queen Camilla visits CornwallCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Show on June 10.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesCamilla knelt to meet a patriotic pup at the Royal Cornwall Show, looking comfortable with the cavalier spaniel.At home, the royal owns two Jack Russel terriers namedBeth and Bluebellwho were rescued as puppies.
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Queen Camilla visits Cornwall
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Show on June 10.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Camilla knelt to meet a patriotic pup at the Royal Cornwall Show, looking comfortable with the cavalier spaniel.
At home, the royal owns two Jack Russel terriers namedBeth and Bluebellwho were rescued as puppies.
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Queen Camilla attends the Order of the Garter
Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Of the induction, a royal source told PEOPLE that Camilla was “very pleased” to receive the honor.
In another milestone, the Queen announced in February 2022 that it was her “sincere wish” that the then-duchess would becomeQueen Consortwhen Charles accedes to the throne one day, which Camilla said would be a “great honor.” AfterQueen Elizabeth’s deathin September 2022, Camillaassumed the new titleas Charlesacceded to the throne.
30of 30Queen Camilla poses for ‘Vogue’Camilla,Duchess of Cornwall in the July issue of British Vogue.Jamie Hawksworth / British VogueIn honor of her 75th birthday on July 17, 2022, Camilla sat for her first interview withBritishVogue,with the poignant piece published in June 2022.Opening up from her Clarence House home, the royal offeredrare insightinto her personal and professional life, including how she balances her busy work schedule with her marriage.“It’s not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet,” she shared of her relationship with the King.“Sometimes it’s like ships passing in the night, but we always sit down together and have a cup of tea and discuss the day.”
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Queen Camilla poses for ‘Vogue’
Camilla,Duchess of Cornwall in the July issue of British Vogue.Jamie Hawksworth / British Vogue
In honor of her 75th birthday on July 17, 2022, Camilla sat for her first interview withBritishVogue,with the poignant piece published in June 2022.
Opening up from her Clarence House home, the royal offeredrare insightinto her personal and professional life, including how she balances her busy work schedule with her marriage.
“It’s not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet,” she shared of her relationship with the King.
“Sometimes it’s like ships passing in the night, but we always sit down together and have a cup of tea and discuss the day.”
source: people.com
