As King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this April we cannot help but reminisce on the royal couple’s love story that was one of the most controversial among the royal family.
These two have been through a whole lot and now they have been married for 20 years. To celebrate with King Charles and Queen Camilla, here are some delightful and lesser-known facts about their enduring bond and unique journey together.
They met at a polo match
Their journey began in 1970 when Charles and Camilla were introduced by a mutual friend at a polo match. They quickly developed a close bond but parted ways when Charles commenced his naval service. During this period, Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, and Charles later wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Both marriages eventually ended in divorce.
Their Pet Names Are Straight Out of a Sitcom
According to letters and biographies, Charles and Camilla used nicknames like “Fred” and “Gladys” early on in their relationship. It is said that they picked these names from The Goon Show, a British radio comedy they both loved. Later, Charles infamously referred to himself as Camilla’s “Tampon” in a leaked phone call that rocked the royal family in the ’90s, scandalous at the time, but now part of royal pop culture history.
Camilla is said to be Charles’ first great love
Many royal watchers believe Camilla was Charles’ true first love. Their connection was genuine and deep, long before the public knew their names together.
Their controversial love story includes an affair
The love story between King Charles and Queen Camilla was once one of the most controversial in royal history, especially with Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana. They had an affair with each other while married, an affair that became public knowledge in the early 1990s, culminating in a scandal that rocked the monarchy. This led to a media frenzy and public backlash. But both Charles and Camilla remained committed to one another, eventually marrying in 2005.
Their wedding was quite lowkey for a royal family
Their 2005 wedding was a low-key civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a religious blessing at St George’s Chapel. The Queen (Elizabeth II) didn’t attend the ceremony but joined them at the blessing, signaling her acceptance and support.
Still holding hands after all these years
Whether they’re at state banquets or charity events, one subtle thing fans love is how often Charles and Camilla are seen holding hands or exchanging warm glances. Even 20 years in, their affection is refreshingly real.
The story of King Charles and Queen Camilla might not have been a fairy tale from the start, but it certainly has a happy ending, for them at least..
Happy 20th Anniversary to Their Majesties.
