Charles and Camilla - Camilla Parker-Bowles Biography

Camilla Parker Bowles was born in London on 17th July 1947. Daughter to Major Bruce and Rosalind Shand (nee Cubitt), Camilla Rosemary Shand was educated at Queens Gate School and finishing schools in Switzerland and France. Her great-grandmother was Alice Keppel, mistress to King Edward VII for 12 years.

Having met Prince Charles in 1970, but believing he would never propose, she married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973. The couple had two children, Tom (born in 1975) and Laura (born in 1979) during their twenty two-year marriage.

Charles and Camilla first met at a polo match more than 30 years ago, and have been close companions ever since. Charles once stated that his relationship with Camilla is “non-negotiable”. Charles is godfather to her son, Tom, and it is believed to be the Prince’s eldest son, William, who made the first step to reunite the pair after Diana’s death, by officially inviting Camilla to tea.

In February 2005 Camilla and Prince Charles announced that they would be married in a civil ceremony, cementing a partnership which has endured over 30 years. Their eldest sons William and Tom will be witnesses and the Archbishop of Canterbury will bless the couple after the ceremony.

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Written by Nicola Joyce, Freelance Copywriter