Who is Camilla Parker Bowles? Many will probably answer this question like this: "Prince Charles's mistress, who became his wife after the death of Princess Diana." Not much is known about the life of this extraordinary woman. Let's try to fill this gap and find out some interesting details of her biography.
Camille's childhood
Our heroine was born on July 17, 1947 in the capital of Great Britain. In the family of Major Bruce Middleton Hope Shand and Rosalind Maud Shand, who came from a noble noble family. It was the first child. Camilla's parents were often invited to Buckingham Palace for various celebrations. Despite the fact that they did not have high-profile titles, they had a dream to raise real aristocrats from their children, of whom there were three in the family. To this end, for the upbringing of their eldest daughter, they constantly invited nannies and governesses who sought to instill good manners in the girl. But even then, Camilla was little interested in the entertainment of high society. She preferred it all.riding horses and playing with the boys. It is not surprising that this “tomboy” quickly adopted their mannerisms from her new friends: foul language, spitting far and so on. Little Shand did not turn out to be a real lady. Parents, seeing this, decided to send their daughter to the Dumbrells boarding house, which was known for its iron discipline. After him, Camilla entered another educational institution - the Queens Gates School, which was famous for preparing wives for British aristocrats. But the miracle didn't happen. After three years of study, Camilla appeared at her parents' house, demonstrating complete indifference to good manners. It was still the same “tomboy”, only she had lost weight and stretched out by 7 cm.
Meeting with Andrew Parker-Bowles
In the circle of her friends, Camilla stood out for her relaxedness and good sense of humor, which was so unusual for London ladies. The heartthrob and handsome Andrew Parker-Bowles could not pass by such an outstanding girl. He was an officer in the royal cavalry. He was always surrounded by young coquettes. But he turned his attention only to Miss Shand. Their romance was pretty boring. Andrew was a member of Camilla's parents' house. Everyone was expecting a marriage proposal from him. But the officer was in no hurry. And, going on another military campaign, he promised the bride to return soon. “You don’t have to hurry, we are breaking up,” proud Camilla answered. Parker Bowles did not object and left the house of the failed bride. For what seemed like forever…
Romancing the Prince
And soon Camilla met Him. On the lawnIn Windsor Great Park, Prince Charles fiddled with his favorite pony for an hour. Camilla asked him if this "horse" was too small for him. He remembered the mocking tone of the girl and her laughing eyes for a long time. From that moment on, the young people were inseparable. The Prince of Wales, as he later claimed, then fell in love at first sight. Now at all events - whether it be horse races, parties or gala receptions - they appeared together. The rest of the Christmas holidays the lovers spent in the family estate of Uncle Charles, who left a huge house at their disposal. There were only seven bedrooms. The couple had enough food and champagne to last until next Christmas. There, the Prince of Wales first confessed his love to the entire chosen one and asked for an article by her wife.
Unwanted bride
When the crowned relatives of Charles found out about his matchmaking, they were completely confused. The inhabitants of Buckingham Palace were well aware that Camilla could not enter the royal family. They definitely liked the girl. But no more. Why can't Miss Shand be accepted into their circle? Well, at least because the girl has a reputation as an easily accessible person. The royal family is the standard of purity, piety and stiffness. According to the unspoken code of the British monarchs, only a girl from a good family can be the bride of the future king, and she must be a virgin. Camille wasn't.
Wedding with Andrew Parker-Bowles
In the winter of 1973, Prince Charles went on a military campaign tolong eight months. He did not dare to formally propose to his beloved. Relatives put pressure on him, and Charles was forced to surrender. When the Prince of Wales returned, he read in one of the local newspapers about the engagement of the former bride to Andrew Parker Bowles. Confusion swept over him. Charles decides to continue his relationship with the former Miss Shand. Lovers meet, and despite the fact that now Camilla is already a married lady. Andrew turned out to be a progressive person, declaring an "open relationship" in marriage. Soon, the first-born was born in the family of an officer of the Royal Army, who was named Thomas. It seemed that this should put an end to the relationship of lovers. What does Camilla Parker Bowles do? The news of the United Kingdom screamed that this extraordinary woman called her lover's son to be godfathers. So the future king, as a family friend, became the second dad for Thomas.
Choosing a bride for a prince
The heir to the throne continued to meet with his beloved Camilla. And this despite the fact that she was married, and a baby was growing up in her family. Moreover, the woman was pregnant for the second time. Who is the child's father? Possibly the Prince of Wales. The lovers spent a lot of time together. While Andrew Parker Bowles preferred to have fun somewhere on the side. It couldn't go on for long. The residents of Buckingham Palace understood that the prince needed to be married urgently. A girl was found for his bride, whose name was Diana Spencer. She was 12 years younger than Charles and came from a noble but poor family. The girl was brilliantly educated. She was destined for a great career. But after deathParents Diana had a hard time. In London, she had to work as a nanny, and a cook, and a teacher. Her meeting with the prince took place in 1977. Camilla Parker Bowles contributed to this. It must be said that the prince's mistress took the side of the royal court, deciding to help Charles start a family. Diana was an excellent candidate for the role of the wife of the future monarch. Firstly, from a good family, and secondly, a virgin. Everything worked out for the best.
Charles and Diana's wedding
Newspapers published information about the new novel of the crowned heir. The Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer married on July 29, 1981. Charles' mistress was personally crossed off the list of those invited to the wedding ceremony by his bride. Therefore, to see how her beloved marries another, poor Mrs. Parker-Bowles could only on TV. The prince's wedding was called "fairytale". The British wanted to believe that the future queen would bring a lot of light and joy into their lives. No one then could have thought that this fairy tale would end in a terrible tragedy. In the meantime, the crown prince and his chosen one smiled radiantly and waved greetings from an expensive carriage to their subjects. By this time, Charles and Camilla had broken up, promising not to meet again.
Together again
But already on the fifth day after the wedding, the prince called his former mistress to express everything he thinks about his young wife. He called her "monstrous" and "insensitive asmarble". The honeymoon trip was torture for both of them. In public, husband and wife tried to be attentive and affectionate to each other. Soon, the first-born was born in the royal family, who was named William. Camilla and Charles continued to meet, but as friends. The former mistress became a "vest" for the prince. It was to her that he told about everything that was in his soul. Soon his marriage to Diana cracked. It is difficult to say which of the crowned spouses was the first to break the oath of allegiance. Charles resumed his love relationship with Camilla.
Wedding of Camilla and Charles
After the death of Princess Diana, Charles' mistress decides to end this vicious relationship forever. Camilla Parker Bowles was more determined in her youth. But the years take their toll. She is fifty. And the prince, after the death of his wife, decided that now the last obstacle to his reunion with his beloved had collapsed. Camilla was never able to say a word to him from the prepared farewell speech. And Charles was ready for anything to have her around.
But how to reconcile British society with their relationship? The death of the popularly adored Diana added more animosity to the union of the two lovers. Throughout the last time, the Prince of Wales diligently and carefully introduced his girlfriend into the world. The lovers were photographed together. Newspapers vying with each other shouted about their long relationship. In 1999, Camilla officially met the prince's children, William and Harry. And in the same year, lovers with their children went on the first joint cruise in the Mediterranean. ATIn 2000, the Queen Mother recognized the relationship between the Prince and Camilla. 2 years later, Mrs. Parker Bowles came to a concert at Buckingham Palace with Elizabeth II. In February 2005, the wedding ceremony of the Prince of Wales and Camilla took place. After the wedding, Charles's former mistress began to be referred to only as "Her Royal Majesty." The longest romance in the history of the British royal family ended in marriage.
Happy mom and grandma
Camilla Parker Bowles, now known as Camilla Rosemary Mountbatten-Windsor, is celebrating her 68th birthday this year. All her free time is occupied by her grandchildren, of whom she has five. Her son Thomas had two children: daughter Lola and son Freddie. And Laura's daughter has three of them: Elsa and the twins Louis and Gus.
It's been many years since Camilla and Charles met. They had to go through a lot together. But, in spite of everything, they managed to keep their deep feeling. It turned out that love can conquer everything. It is stronger than any troubles, royal laws, negative public opinion. Happiness is being close to your loved one every day and enjoying simple things together.
