Camilla Rosemary Shand: A controversial figure blamed by some for the breakup of Charles III's marriage to Princess Diana, Camilla's public acceptance has occasionally faced challenges.
Charles said he had an affair with Camilla in 1994, but this happened after the "irretrievable breakdown" of his marriage to Diana.
Until 1999, Camilla and Charles did not make their relationship public. However, the pair attended a party at the Ritz Hotel in London that year and were photographed leaving the hotel as part of a carefully planned public relations campaign.
Since then, Camilla has gained cautious public support. She was praised for championing her causes and interests, including supporting literacy charities, animal rights, and organizations helping victims of domestic abuse.
Camilla (born Camilla Rosemary Shand, later Parker Bowles, 17 July 1947) is Queen of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms as the wife of King Charles III.
The Queen has also been outspoken about sexual violence against women. In a speech in London, she made strong reference to the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. She called on men to "get involved" in combating the culture of sexual violence.
Commenting on Camilla, royal writer Penny Junor says, "She has been loyal, level-headed, worked tirelessly with charities, and supported the prince."
"This title was given at a relatively late age. She is an extraordinary person."
Born on 17 July 1947 into an upper-class family, Camilla Rosemary Shand grew up on the edge of the South Downs in East Sussex.
One of Camilla's interests was reading books. Talking about the importance of children's books, Camilla said that Black Beauty is one of her favorite novels. She also founded a book club on Instagram during the pandemic.
Camilla, who also admitted that she was addicted to the TV series The Archers, broadcast on BBC Radio 4, jokingly said that she was experiencing "serious withdrawal syndromes" when the series was interrupted due to Covid.
"A lot of people will have seen the good work Camilla has done over the years, her loyalty, her level-headed nature, and the hard work she's put in. I think a lot of people have been pleased to see that," says Victoria Howard, who edits the website The Crown Chronicles.
Before the royal marriage, Camilla's life wasn't all about palaces and public ceremonies. This shows that she has a more normal life.
In an interview in 2020, Camilla stated that she enjoyed not dressing formally during the quarantine and living in a pair of jeans.
Camilla, a mother of two, spoke about her love for her grandchildren, saying missing them during lockdown was "the worst thing" and that she just wanted to "hug them as soon as possible".
According to Junor, Camilla added warmth to the title of "Queen Consort" (the title given to Queens as consorts of the King).
"She's fun and friendly and has a twinkle in her eye. She makes people feel good when they meet her."
When Camilla and Charles married in a civil ceremony in 2005, it was announced that Camilla would be given the title of "Princess Consort" instead of "Queen Consort" due to public sensitivity.
On September 8, 2022, Camilla became queen consort when her husband ascended to the throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. On 10 September 2022, the Queen attended with her stepson William, Prince of Wales, at the ceremony where Charles III was declared king by the Accession Council of the United Kingdom. In November 2022, the Queen changed the role of "The Queen's Bridesmaids" to "The Queen's Companions" as she did not want or need any bridesmaids herself.
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place on May 6, 2023. In September and October 2023, the King and Queen paid state visits to France and Kenya, and in November, Camilla joined her husband, King Charles III, at the opening of parliament as Queen.