Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, second wife of Prince Charles, began life as Camilla Shand, born into a wealthy British military family of Major Bruce Middleton Hope Shand and wife Rosalind as the eldest of three children. She was educated at Dumbrells School, Sussex, Queen’s Gate School, London and then attended both French and Swiss finishing schools to learn the skills and graces to fit her for the aristocratic life which she was born into.
Her first marriage was to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973. At this point, Camilla was already friends with Prince Charles, who she had met at a polo match in 1970 but at that point the Prince was young and marriage was not high on his list of priorities so the friendship did not at that point blossom into romance. After the birth of her two children, Thomas Henry Parker Bowles (1974) and Laura Rose Parker Bowles (1978), the marriage of Camilla to Brigadier Parker Bowles ended in 1995. The couple had lived apart for a number of years and at that point, Charles had publicly admitted committing adultery.
It took some time for the British public to warm to Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, especially as Prince Charles’ first wife, Diana, was so well loved by the people. However, over the years Camilla was increasingly seen as Prince Charles’ loyal and supportive companion.
Today Camilla is the second wife of Prince Charles. They were married at the Guildhall in Windsor on 9 April 2005. The civil ceremony was followed by a dedication ceremony presided by the Queen Mother and Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor castle. It was the first civil ceremony wedding of any British Royal Family member and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh did not attend.
The title Duchess of Cornwall is a title awarded to the wife of the Duke of Cornwall. The title of Duke is hereditary, being passed from sovereign to eldest heir. Camilla’s marriage to Prince Charles (the Duke of Cornwall) in 2005 afforded her the title of Duchess of Cornwall (known as Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland). As the eldest is generally heir apparent, the titles of Duke and Duchess are archaic; Camilla could choose to take the title of Princess, but has chosen not to do so out of respect for the late Princess Diana. Today Camilla is an active supporter and participant in the public relations endeavors of her husband, Prince Charles.
While the Duchess of Cornwall participates in more than 30 charitable organizations, some of the favorites include National Osteoporrhosis Society and ShelterBox, both of which she serves as their president since 2001 and 2007 respectively. The Duchess is a great supporter of human rights and animal rights alike.
Other interests and duties of the Duchess of Cornwall include the patronage of heritage and the arts. Museums, historical and artistic societies, schools, and war memorials all benefit from the patronage of the Duchess of Cornwall. Her personal interests include music, theater, oil painting, and animal welfare, although she is a quite keen huntswoman. Personal pets include dogs and a couple of horses which she regularly rides on outings and events. She also regularly attends events such as the London Horse Show.
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall has been a grandmother since October 2007 when her daughter in law gave birth to a baby girl, named Lola.
- Name: Camilla Parker Bowles (born Camilla Rosemary Shand)
- Father: Major Bruce Middleton Hope ShandMother: Rosalind Maud Shand
- Born: 17 July 1947
- Ascended to the throne: TBA
- Crowned: 1 July 1969 (husband crowned heir apparent)
- Married: 4 July 1973 to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, then 9 April 2005 to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George
- Children: Thomas Henry Parker Bowles and Laura Rose Parker Bowles
