King Charles & Queen Camilla Mark 20 Years Of Love, Loyalty & Royalty

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla married on Apr. 9, 2005. However, in 2021, the date was marked by Prince Philip’s passing. One thing to note is that their love story is far from a fairy tale. Their relationship endured years of scrutiny and shifting public opinion, mainly due to their widely speculated affair while Charles was still married to Princess Diana.

Following Diana’s tragic passing in 1997, Charles and Camilla took gradual steps toward publicly acknowledging their relationship. It took years for the royal family and the public to fully accept Camilla’s presence in Charles’ life. However, she has become a respected figure over time. The couple remains steadfast two decades after their wedding as they celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2025.

Reports on how Charles and Camilla first met vary, but it’s confirmed to have been in the early 1970s. However, in 1971, Charles joined the Royal Navy, leading to the fading of their courtship. As PEOPLE noted, “Although the smitten prince courted her for six months, he failed to propose before returning to sea in February 1973.” Allegedly, Charles had resolved not to marry before turning 30.

Camilla then married Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she had two children, while Charles wed Princess Diana, becoming the father of Prince William and Prince Harry. In 1986, it was widely reported that Charles and Camilla had rekindled their physical relationship despite both being married.

Their respective marriages ended in the mid-’90s, and they began dating in 1998, two years after Diana’s tragic passing. However, Charles chose to delay marriage until William and Harry were adults. Eventually, they wed in a private ceremony on Apr. 9, 2005. Over time, the public perception of Camilla has significantly improved.

Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles (1979), (Tim Graham/Getty Images)

One long-debated topic has been Camilla’s official royal title. When the couple announced their engagement in February 2005, Buckingham Palace stated she would be known as “HRH The Duchess of Cornwall,” deliberately avoiding the title “Princess of Wales” out of respect for Princess Diana.

At the time, the Palace also declared that once Charles became King, Camilla would hold the title “HRH The Princess Consort,” breaking from the usual tradition of the King’s wife being called “queen consort.” However, this decision remained a point of discussion for years. Ultimately, it was the late Queen Elizabeth II who settled the matter. In February 2022, six months before her passing, the Royal Family’s official Twitter account shared a statement from the Queen marking her 70th anniversary on the throne.

Queen Elizabeth wrote:

“And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

Camilla officially became “Queen Consort” as intended, but this later underwent an adjustment. On Apr. 5, 2023, the official coronation invitation was released, and it read:

“The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla.”

According to the BBC, the coronation signified another shift in Camilla’s title. A royal source explained that “Queen Consort” was initially used to differentiate her from the late Queen Elizabeth II after her passing. However, with the coronation approaching, it was deemed the “appropriate time” to adopt the title “Queen Camilla” formally.

Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla (2005), (Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images)

In early 2024, King Charles faced significant health challenges. On Jan. 17, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch would undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate. The next day, Queen Camilla reassured the public, stating Charles was feeling “fine” and was “looking forward to getting back to work.”

On Jan. 26, 2024, Charles was admitted to the London Clinic, where he underwent the procedure. Camilla and Charles’s first public appearance together since his hospitalization took place on Feb. 4, 2024, at Sandringham Church, where Charles greeted well-wishers with a reassuring wave. However, the next day, Buckingham Palace announced shocking news: during Charles’s prostate treatment, doctors had discovered a form of cancer.

It was confirmed that the King had “commenced a schedule of regular treatments” and would step back from public duties while continuing to handle state business and official paperwork. Despite ongoing discussions about who could act on his behalf if necessary, Charles remained optimistic about his health. He surprised many by openly sharing details of his diagnosis, a move that aligned with his reputation for transparency.

Buckingham Palace explained his decision in a statement:

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

This candid approach has been seen as a way to foster awareness while reassuring the public that he remains engaged with his royal duties. Comments flooded the royal family’s official Instagram account, with many wishing the King well during this difficult time. One comment read:

“What a wonderful man! Thinking of others during this terrible time for him personally. He is without doubt a monarch we can be proud of. God save the King.”

Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla (2019), (Chris Jackson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Fast forward to 2025 and King Charles, 76, continues to balance his royal responsibilities while managing his health following his cancer diagnosis. On Mar. 27, 2025, the monarch was briefly hospitalized after his treatment caused temporary side effects. This resulted in the postponement of several engagements, including a scheduled visit to Birmingham. The King resumed public duties after spending a restful weekend at his Highgrove estate.

The King’s transparency regarding his diagnosis has been highly praised for helping to raise awareness and understanding for those affected by cancer. On Apr. 1, 2025, King Charles led an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where he honored figures such as TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh and athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Those in attendance noted that he appeared in good spirits, demonstrating his resilience despite ongoing treatment.

Looking ahead, the King has a series of engagements planned. He and Queen Camilla, 77, have headed on a four-day state visit to Italy, which started on Apr. 7, 2025. The tour will include two state visits: to Rome and Ravenna in Italy, and separately, to the Holy See, the government of the Roman Catholic Church, located in the Vatican – the smallest independent state in the world.

The state visit, which coincides with their 20th wedding anniversary, combines official duties with a meaningful opportunity for the King and Queen to celebrate their milestone. As they mark two decades of marriage, the occasion serves as a reflection of their journey together and a testament to their enduring partnership.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla (2023), (P van Katwijk/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images)

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s journey to 20 years of marriage proves that love can stand all tests! How has their journey inspired you? Let us know, and then pass this along to fans of the royal couple!