Camilla Discovers Her Mother-in-Law's Secret: Charles III Couldn't Do Anything

Two decades ago, on April 9, 2005, then-Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles sealed their love in a civil ceremony held at Windsor Town Hall. What was supposed to be a day of celebration was overshadowed by a notable absence: that of Elizabeth II. The then-Queen declined to attend the wedding, generating new controversy around the heir to the throne.

A Wedding Marked by Scandal and Absences

The relationship between Charles and Camilla was surrounded by controversies from its inception. After the prince's divorce from Lady Di and her tragic death, the couple decided to formalize their union in a discreet ceremony. The event had only 28 guests, including their children: Prince William and Prince Harry, along with Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.

The choice of a civil ceremony did not go unnoticed: for the standards of the British royal family, it was an unusual and controversial option. Queen Elizabeth II, in her role as head of the Church of England, considered it inappropriate to attend a civil marriage between two divorced people. Since the church traditionally disapproves of such unions, the monarch did not want to be present at the celebration.

Elizabeth II's Justification and Her Subsequent Support

Although Elizabeth II decided not to attend the civil event, she did show her support for Charles and Camilla in other ways. Later, the monarch and Prince Philip attended the religious blessing service at St. George's Chapel, as well as the reception held at Windsor Castle.

This partial attendance reflected the complicated balance the queen had to keep between her religious role and her personal support for her son. In contrast, the wedding of Charles and Lady Di in 1981 had been a massive event held at St. Paul's Cathedral. Elizabeth II attended without reservations, and the union between Diana of Wales and Charles received worldwide attention.

The 2005 ceremony was a pivotal moment for Charles and Camilla. Although discreet, it signified the public acknowledgment of a relationship that had been marked by scandal and social disapproval for decades.

Twenty Years Later: A Story of Acceptance

Today, 20 years later, the story of Charles III and Camilla has taken a remarkable turn. What began as a questioned relationship is now an essential part of the modern British monarchy. The current queen has managed to earn the respect of much of the public and the institution, though not without overcoming numerous challenges.

The Windsor wedding was etched as a symbol of change within the royal family, reflecting an evolution in how the British monarchy adapts to modern times. A chapter that, although full of tensions, paved the way for a new stage in the lives of Charles III and Camilla.