Prince Charles Marries Camilla Parker Bowles

On April 9, 2005, Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, married Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall, followed by a religious blessing at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the British royal family, given the couple’s long-standing relationship and its previous controversies.

Background

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles had known each other since the early 1970s and maintained a close relationship over the years. Their relationship became a subject of public interest and scrutiny, particularly during and after Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana. Following Diana’s tragic death in 1997, Charles and Camilla gradually became more public about their relationship.

The Ceremony

Civil Ceremony

• Location: Windsor Guildhall, Windsor, England.
• Date: April 9, 2005.
• Attendees: The civil ceremony was a relatively private affair, attended by close family members, including Prince William and Prince Harry, Charles’s sons, and Camilla’s children, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles.

Religious Blessing

• Location: St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
• Service: The religious blessing was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
• Significance: This service was more public and included a prayer of penitence, acknowledging past “sins and wickedness,” which was seen as a nod to the couple’s complicated history.

Public and Media Reaction

The marriage was met with mixed reactions from the public and media. While some viewed it as a positive step forward for the couple, others were critical due to the history of Charles’s previous marriage to Diana. However, over time, public opinion has generally warmed to Camilla, who has taken on the title of the Duchess of Cornwall.

Broader Historical Significance

• Royal Protocol: The marriage was notable for its deviation from traditional royal weddings, as it was conducted as a civil ceremony rather than a church service.
• Camilla’s Role: The marriage marked Camilla’s official entry into the royal family, and she has since taken on various charitable roles and public duties.
• Future Implications: The union also had implications for the future of the monarchy, particularly concerning Camilla’s title upon Charles’s eventual accession to the throne.

In summary, the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles was a significant event in the British royal family, reflecting both personal and institutional changes within the monarchy.