On Friday, King Charles III gave his first television interview since coming to the British throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, saying that her life was “fully lived”:
“Queen Elizabeth had a life well lived; a promise with destiny honored, and her loss is greatly felt.” I reaffirm my vow of lifetime service to you all now.”
During his address, the monarch conferred the title of Queen Consort on his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, as per his mother’s desire.
“I depend on the loving assistance of my beloved wife, Camilla, who becomes my Queen Consort in honor of her own faithful public service since our marriage 17 years ago, and I know she will bring to the duties of her new job the steady commitment to duty on which I have grown to rely so much.”
The king also wished his son Prince Harry and his bride, Meghan Markle, a happy life apart from the Royal Family in the United States, and conferred new titles on his oldest son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law Kate Middleton:
“William now bears the Scottish titles that have meant so much to me as my heir. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and assumes the Duchy of Cornwall’s obligations, which I have held for more than five decades.”
King Charles also bestowed the titles of Prince of Wales on William and Princess of Wales on Middleton. Queen Elizabeth II said before her death that Camilla Bowles will be Queen Consort when her son becomes King. During her Platinum Jubilee festivities, the then-Monarch made the following announcement:
“When my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my honest intention that, when that time comes, Camilla will be recognized as Queen Consort while she continues her own devoted duty.”
On April 9, 2005, King Charles III married Camilla Parker Bowles. Their marriage lasted 17 years.
A look at the relationship between King Charles and Camilla Bowles.
During a polo match in Windsor Great Park in the early 1970s, King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles allegedly met. The two hit it off right away and apparently became closer until the former went to join the Royal Navy in 1972. By the time King Charles returned from the sea, Bowles was already betrothed to Andrew Parker. In July 1973, she married her fiancé, although the pair maintained a strong connection with King Charles. The new monarch was also appointed as the godfather of Bowles’ first child, Thomas.
The “Camillagate” controversy and the death of Princess Diana
A transcript of an intimate phone conversation between the King and Bowles was made public in November 1992, sparking the notorious “Camillagate” affair. Shortly later, Prime Minister John Major announced that Charles and Diana had chosen to divorce. In the Church of England at the time, the King was not permitted to divorce or remarry. According to the New York Times, King Charles revealed his extramarital affair to director Jonathan Dimbleby in a 1994 interview.
However, he stated that he was “faithful and honorable” during his marriage to Princess Diana until their relationship became “irretrievably broken.” Although he did not name anyone, the then Prince of Wales stated that he had an affair with “a great friend” who would “continue to be a friend for a very long time.” Dimbleby subsequently revealed the woman’s identity in his biography of the king, The Prince of Wales: A Biography. Camilla Bowles announced her divorce from Andrew Parker in 1995, while the King confirmed his divorce from Princess Diana the following year.
Following his divorce, the monarch threw Bowles a magnificent 50th birthday celebration in July 1997. Princess Diana died in a vehicle accident the same year. Following the outpouring of grief over Diana’s death, Charles and Bowles kept their connection private.
King Charles and Camilla Marriage
In January 1999, King Charles was photographed publicly with Bowles as they exited the latter’s sister’s birthday celebration at the Ritz Hotel. Bowles also accompanied the king and his two sons on a trip to Greece that year. According to the New York Times, Queen Elizabeth II consented to meet Bowles after accepting an invitation to the King of Greece’s 60th birthday celebration in 2000. Bowles and King Charles III moved live together at Clarence House almost three years later.
On February 10, 2005, the pair announced their engagement, sparking questions about Bowles’ job. Buckingham Palace then revealed that Queen Elizabeth II had chosen to give her new daughter-in-law the title of Duchess of Cornwall. It was also announced that when her husband becomes King of England, she would be known as Princess Consort rather than Queen Camilla. Camilla Bowles and King Charles III were married at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005, over three decades after they first met. In 2015, the pair celebrated their 10-year anniversary, and the King discussed his relationship with Bowles in an interview with CNN. He stated:
“It’s always wonderful to have someone who understands and wants to support you.” Although she does make fun of me if I become too serious about stuff. And it all helps.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla entering Buckingham Palace for the first time as King and Queen 🖤👑
What an historic picture. pic.twitter.com/tKwO5gL9X7
— CoutureAndRoyals (@CoutureRoyals) September 9, 2022
In April, the couple celebrated 17 years of marriage. Following Queen Elizabeth’s death, Camilla Bowles was appointed Queen Consort in accordance with the former’s intentions, and her title was formally confirmed by King Charles III, the new monarch.