Meet Camilla, the UK’s new queen consort

In February, Elizabeth II expressed a desire for her daughter-in-law to receive the title

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II this thursday (8.set.2022), the wife of the new king Charles 3rdCamilla Parker Bowles, receives the title of Queen Consort of UK. The title is given by marriage to someone of the royal family, not by blood. Despite being part of the family, the consort does not have the same status than the heir to the throne.

Camilla’s official entry into the family took place in 2005, when she married the then prince. However, her relationship with Charles began more than 30 years ago, in the 1970s.

Resistance to Camilla’s entry into the royal family is a consequence of a divorce she faced before her relationship with Charles. She was married to General Andrew Parker Bowles.

Although the monarchs were married in 2005, it was not until February 2022 that Queen Elizabeth II publicly expressed the possibility of her daughter-in-law becoming Queen Consort.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her loyal service”said Queen Elizabeth II in a statement commemorating the 70th anniversary of her coronation.

On the occasion, then Prince Charles thanked his mother’s blessing: “We are deeply aware of the honor represented by my mother’s wish. As we seek together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my dear wife has been my constant support.”.

Charles III assumes the reign at the age of 73. Camilla is 75.

RELATIONSHIP WITH CHARLES AND DIANA

Camilla was born in 1974. The daughter of influential people in the British upper classes, she has always had contact with the royal family.

The relationship with then Prince Charles started in the 1970s. They met at a Polo match. Although a marriage proposal was expected from those closest to the prince, Camilla married the army officer. Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973.

On July 29, 1981, Charles married Diana Spencerwho died in 1997. The ceremony was the first royal wedding broadcast on television, watched by over 750 million people around the world.

Known as the people’s princess, Diana was very popular among the British, in addition to having achieved worldwide fame for being considered charismatic and for her involvement in popular causes.

While Charles and Diana were married, however, the prince maintained a parallel relationship with Camilla, also married.

Charles’ infidelity and other factors in a troubled relationship led the 2 to break up in 1992 and officially divorce in 1996, after 15 years of marriage with 2 children: Princes William and Harry. Camilla divorced Parker Bowls years earlier in 1995.

Diana has never denied the influence of infidelity on her divorce. “There were 3 of us at this wedding so it was a little crowded”said Diana in an interview with BBC in 1995.

About infidelity, Charles said in an interview in 1994 that he did not cheat on Diana. “until it became clear that the marriage was hopelessly broken.”.

In 1992, the book “Diana: Her True Story” exposed the princess’ version of the marriage, which led the public and press to attack and harass Charles’ spouse.

Because of Camilla’s low popularity, the royal family strove to gradually insert her into Buckingham Palace. The action culminated in Charles’ marriage to Camilla on April 9, 2005, and approval by Queen Elizabeth in 2022.