A Look Back at King Charles and Queen Camilla's Early Years as Newlyweds
A Look Back at King Charles and Queen Camilla's Early Years as Newlyweds
Diane J. Cho, Stephanie SengweFri, April 17, 2026 at 10:02 PM UTC
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Prince Charles and CamillaCredit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been together for decades.
The royal couple first met at a polo match in 1970, and was said to have an instant connection. They remained close friends throughout their respective marriages — Charles to Diana, Princess of Wales, and Camilla to Andrew Parker-Bowles — until their affair became public to the press in 1992.
Camilla and Andrew announced that they would divorce in 1995. Charles and Diana divorced in 1996, and Diana died one year later. In 1998, Charles introduced sons Prince William and Prince Harry to Camilla and by 2000, the Queen attended lunch with both Charles and Camilla, signifying her approval of the couple. They wed in April 2005.
In 2023, Charles became king of the United Kingdom, following Queen Elizabeth II's death the previous year. With her husband as king, Camilla's title also changed, going from the Duchess of Cornwall to Queen Camilla.
Below, look back at the royal couples early days as husband and wife.
01 of 15
An Enduring Love
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of CornwallCredit: Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty
Ahead of their engagement, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, smiled for a photo at Birkhall in Scotland in February 2005.
02 of 15
A Royal Proposal
Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP/getty
Following the news of their official engagement, the happy pair arrived at Windsor Castle for a party to celebrate on Feb. 10, 2005. Prince Charles wore a tuxedo with red accents that complemented his new fiancée's scarlet gown.
It was announced that Camilla would use the title HRH The Duchess of Cornwall after marriage.
03 of 15
An Heirloom Ring
Credit: Anwar Hussein/WireImage
As the pair entered the castle, Camilla showed off her emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, which was a royal family heirloom. Having spent years trying to keep a low profile in public, Camilla was said to appear very comfortable in her new role as royal-to-be.
Asked by a reporter whether Charles took a knee to propose, Camilla said, "Of course. I'm just coming down to Earth."
04 of 15
A Joining of Families
Credit: corbis/getty
To celebrate their marriage, the royal family posed for photos in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005. Prince Charles and his new bride Camilla were joined by family members on both sides: Prince Harry, Prince William, Camilla's children Tom and Laura Parker-Bowles, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand.
05 of 15
A Honeymoon to Remember
Credit: Tim Graham/getty
While on their honeymoon, their royal duties did not stop. The couple took time out from their newlywed celebrations to attend their first joint official engagement at the opening of Monaltrie Park children's playground in Ballater, Scotland, on April 14, 2005.
06 of 15
Smile and Wave
Prince Charles and CamillaCredit: ROTA/Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty
The happy couple were pictured smiling and waving to attendees.
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07 of 15
A Visit to Devon
Credit: Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall love to share laughs while out together fulfilling royal duties, including their visit to the Devon County Show on May 19, 2005, in England.
08 of 15
Family Traditions
The Royal FamilyCredit: Anwar Hussein/Getty
The couple stood side by side for Trooping the Colour that June, helping Queen Elizabeth celebrate her 79th birthday.
09 of 15
A Break for Tea and Cake
Credit: Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage
Charles and Camilla enjoyed afternoon tea and an assortment of cakes during their trip to Cwm Berem Farm on July 12, 2005. The visit marked the first time Charles undertook his annual three-day summer tour of Wales with his new bride.
10 of 15
A Moment to Remember
Credit: Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty
The royals were up for a good time, participating in pargeting (applying plaster on ceiling tiles) during their visit to the Sullfolk Village of Lavenham, English.
11 of 15
A Toast to Good Times
Credit: Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty
After a nice toast, Charles and Camilla sipped on pints of beer during their trip to Bury St. Edmunds, England, on July 22, 2005.
12 of 15
A Banquet in Buckingham
Credit: Tim Graham/getty
Months into their life as newlyweds, Charles and Camilla arrived at a banquet in Buckingham Palace on Oct. 25, 2005, dressed in royal regalia. This was the first time Camilla was able to borrow from Queen Elizabeth II's jewelry collection, and she selected the Delhi Durbar tiara, which she now has on long-term loan (but has not worn since), according to The Court Jeweller. The diamond serpent necklace is Camilla's own, a Van Cleef & Arpels piece that belonged to her grandmother.
13 of 15
A Trip Across the Pond
Credit: Tim Graham/getty
During day two of the couple's eight-day trip to the United States in November 2005, Camilla teased the Prince as he reached for her pen to sign the visitors' book at SEED School (Schools for Educational Evolution and Development) in Washington, D.C.
14 of 15
A Farmer's Market Find
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
On day five of their trip to the U.S., the couple made their way to the west coast. The two spoke to vendors and toured the West Marin Farmer's Market on Nov. 5, 2005 in Point Reyes Station, California.
15 of 15
An Anniversary to Celebrate
Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty
After a whirlwind first year of marriage, the coordinated royal couple returned to Scotland celebrate their first anniversary back at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate on April 9, 2006.
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