King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles’s Relationship Timeline

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles have been happily married for nearly 20 years, but their relationship wasn’t always so sunny. Though many royal biographers say it was love at first sight for the two, who first met at a polo match in 1970, their path to husband wife wasn’t clear-cut. After dating for two years, Charles went to sea for the Royal Navy and Camilla went on to marry Andrew Parker Bowles. Eventually, Charles married Princess Diana but he and Camilla famously maintain their close friendship—perhaps too close, depending on who you ask—throughout their respective marriages.

Ultimately, it took the couple nearly 30 years for to officially become a couple. Here, we share a complete timeline of their dramatic relationship.  

1970: Charles and Camilla Meet

Charles and Camilla first met at a polo match at Windsor Great Park, the BBC reports. Some reports claim that Camilla’s first line to Charles was, “My great-grandmother was the mistress of your great-great-grandfather. I feel we have something in common.” However, historian and The Crown advisor Robert Lacey wrote in The Crown: The Official Companion Volume 2 that Charles says they met through their friend Lucia Santa Cruz, something the pal later confirmed to be true.

However their earliest conversation went, we know one thing to be true: The two hit it off, and Charles and Camilla started spending a great deal of time together. In the end, the pair dated for two years before Charles was sent off to sea for the Royal Navy, thus ending their budding relationship. 

July 4, 1973: Camilla Marries Andrew Parker Bowles

In July of 1973, Camilla married her Andrew Parker Bowles (who had previously dated Charles’s sister, Princess Anne). The two went on to have two children, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles. Despite her new relationship and subsequent marriage, Charles and Camilla remained close, and Charles even became Tom’s godfather, the Daily Mail reports. 

1981: Princess Diana Enters the Picture

On February 6, 1981, Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer, who he first met in 1977 and started dating in 1980. A few weeks later, during an interview, Charles and Diana were asked if they were in love. Diana responded, “Of course,” while Charles said, “Whatever love means.” It was not a fortuitous start to their union.

On July 29, 1981, Charles and Diana were married at St. Paul’s Cathedral; Camilla was a guest in attendance at the celebration. According to royal biographer Andrew Morton, Camilla caused an early and significant rift between the newlywed couple: Charles and Diana allegedly fought when Diana allegedly found an engraved necklace intended for Camilla while opening wedding gifts. Supposedly, Charles told Diana that “a certain amount of time would always be put aside for Camilla.” 

1986: The Affair

According to People, Charles and Camilla began having an affair in 1986, despite both being married to other people. Later, in 1995, during an interview with BBC One’s Panorama, Diana spoke about Camilla’s relationship with Charles, saying, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”

There were multiple reports that Diana was seeing other men from 1986 until the end of her marriage. During her Panorama interview, Diana admitted to an affair with James Hewitt. 

1989: The Confrontation 

According to The Telegraph, an audiotape Diana made for Morton, her biographer, in which she revealed that she had confronted Camilla about her affair at a party. She stated, “I know what’s going on between you and Charles and I just want you to know that. She said to me: ‘You’ve got everything you ever wanted. You’ve got all the men in the world fall in love with you and you’ve got two beautiful children, what more do you want?’ So I said, ‘I want my husband.’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry I’m in the way…and it must be hell for both of you. But I do know what’s going on. Don’t treat me like an idiot.’”

January 17, 1993: Dramatic Phone Call Leak

In the early weeks of 1993, Charles and Camilla faced their first scandal of the year. At that time, The Mirror published a full transcript of a leaked phone call between the two—dubbed “Camillagate”—that took place in 1989. In the transcript, the two spoke intimately about their physical relationship and how much they each cared about the another. “It would be so wonderful to have just one night to set us on our way, wouldn’t it?” Camilla asked on the call.

The tapes caused a huge scandal for the royal family and all but confirmed the persistent affair rumors that had been swirling around the two for years. 

June 1994: Charles Speaks Out 

In June of 1994, Charles appeared in a TV documentary about himself. During his interview, he was asked about the rumors of his affair with Camilla, including whether or not he had been “faithful and honorable” to Diana. He replied, “Yes, yes…until it became irretrievably broken down, us both having tried.”

When asked about his relationship with Camilla, he replied, “She has been a friend for a very long time—and will continue to be a friend for a very long time.” 

January 11, 1995: Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles Announce Their Divorce

According to The New York Times, Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles announced their divorce at the beginning of 1995. The news came after the pair reportedly lived apart for at least two years. 

August 28, 1996: Charles and Diana Finalize Their Divorce

After a separation, Charles and Diana finalized their divorce in the summer of 1996. 

August 31, 1997: Princess Diana’s Tragic Death

At 36-years-old, Diana was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. The crash also took the lives of her significant other, businessman Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul. According to The Guardian, a campaign to “introduce” Charles and Camilla as a couple to the public was put on hold in light of Diana’s death. 

July 10, 1998: Charles and Camilla Take Their Relationship Public

In a report from The Guardian, royal aides confirmed that Camilla had met Prince William in 1998 and would meet Prince Harry at a later date. That same year, Charles celebrated his 50th birthday with a large party. According to the Los Angeles Times, Queen Elizabeth chose not to attend because Camilla would be there; she was still disapproving of their relationship. 

1999: Charles and Camilla Make Their First Public Appearance

Charles threw a 50th birthday party for Camilla’s sister at the Ritz Hotel in London, where Charles and Camilla were photographed together for the first time as a couple. Although they arrived to the party separately, they left together in full view of reporters and photographers. That year, the pair began formally attending events together. 

2000: Getting the Queen’s Approval 

According to the BBC, the Queen met Camilla for the first time in 2000, when she attended a 60th birthday celebration for the King of Greece at Highgrove, Charles’s residence. It was seen as the Queen’s seal of approval. 

2003: The Big Move

Charles and Camilla began cohabitating in 2003, moving in together at Clarence House. As the BBC noted, the Royal Family was very clear that British taxpayer money wouldn’t be used to decorate Camilla’s rooms. 

April 9, 2005: Charles and Camilla’s Royal Wedding

About 35 years after they first met, in February 2005, Charles and Camilla announced their engagement. In the wake of the announcement, there was a great deal of speculation about the title Camilla would take after marriage; more than that, the public was clamoring to know if she would ever be called the Queen. At the time, it was said that she would be dubbed “Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall” after the wedding, which would ensure she and the late Princess Diana would not share the title of the Princess of Wales. 

On April 9, 2005, Charles and Camilla were married during a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall. Prince William stood by his father’s side as the best man. The Queen and Prince Phillip did not attend the ceremony, but they did attend the reception and official blessing at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. 

2015: Charles Talks About Their Relationship

On April 9, 2015, Charles and Camilla celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. An image on the Clarence House Instagram showed the two at their garden at Birkhall, Scotland. “The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary today. This photograph of them was taken in Their Royal Highnesses’ garden at Birkhall, Scotland in January 2015 by Oliver Dann,” the caption reads.

During an interview with CNN that same year, Charles talked about his relationship with Camilla. “It’s always marvelous to have somebody who, you know, you feel understands and wants to encourage,” he said. “Although she certainly pokes fun if I get too serious about things. And all that helps.” 

2017: Camilla Discusses the Affair

In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Camilla opened up about how she was treated by the media and the public when the news of her affair with Charles broke. She said, “I couldn’t really go anywhere…it was horrid. It was a deeply unpleasant time and I wouldn’t want to put my worst enemy through it. I couldn’t have survived it without my family.”

2020: Anniversary Celebration

While isolating at Birkhall, Charles and Camilla celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. The couple posted a photo of themselves on Twitter with their dogs, Bluebell and Beth, to acknowledge their anniversary.

February 5, 2022: Queen Camilla

Queen Elizabeth has spoken—On February 5, 2022, the reigning monarch noted that, one day, Camilla will be called Queen. In honor of Queen Elizabeth’s 70th anniversary on the throne, she shared her wish that once Prince Charles is crowned King, Camilla will adopt the title of Queen Consort. In a message posted on the eve of her Accession Day, Queen Elizabeth wrote, “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.”

Back when Camilla and Charles first tied the knot in 2005, the palace said that Camilla would be given the title of Princess Consort upon Charles’s accession. However, thanks to the Queen’s new statement, Camilla will be elevated to the role of Queen Consort, and will be crowned alongside her husband once he becomes King.

September 8, 2022: The Reigning Monarchs

The Royal Family confirmed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, at which point Charles and Camilla assumed the roles of King and Queen Consort. According to the New York Post, an Accession Council will meet tomorrow, September 9, at St. James’ Palace to “officially declare Charles the new monarch.” The New York Times announced that Charles’ new title is King Charles III.

Despite the fact that Charles is now officially King of England, People reports that his formal crowning likely won’t happen for a year. “The coronation ceremony usually takes a year because it’s seen as unseemly, really, to have a coronation ceremony straight after someone’s death. It’s a long period of mourning,” their source explained.

October 11, 2022: The Coronation Date Is Set

Buckingham Palace announced that the coronation of King Charles III, as well as Queen Consort Camilla, will take place on May 6, E! News reports. The coronation ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who officiated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

February 12, 2023: A Familiar Face Will Document the Coronation

The Times announced that the couple decided to enlist Hugo Burnand, their wedding photographer, to shoot the portraits at Charles’ coronation. The London-based photographer also documented Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston’s nuptials in 2019, and Flora Ogilvy and Timothy Vesterberg’s big day in 2021. 

February 14, 2023: Camilla’s Coronation Crown Is Revealed

According to Buckingham Palace, Camilla will be crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown during her husband’s upcoming coronation. This is the first time in 300 years that a queen consort is being crowned with an existing headpiece. The palace explained that Camilla is repurposing the diamond-encrusted headpiece in an attempt to be more sustainable and efficient. However, this tiara will include a special nod to Queen Elizabeth II. The accessory will be reset with Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds, which the late monarch wore as brooches. To further modernize it, four of the eight arches will also be removed. King Charles will be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown, which is historically used at coronations.

March 16, 2023: Charles Will Receive a New Wedding Ring for the Coronation

When Charles becomes king, he will get a new “wedding ring” to mark the distribution of power. The official website of the royal family explained that Charles will receive a coronation ring, otherwise known as “The Wedding Ring of England,” before his crowning, which is part of a long-standing tradition. Ever since King William IV’s coronation in 1831, every sovereign has worn the special jewel made for William, which consists of a sapphire center stone and rubies forming the shape of a cross encircled by 14 diamonds. Yahoo! Sports predicts Charles will receive the same ring.

April 4, 2023: The Coronation Invitations Are Released

Ahead of Charles’ coronation, Buckingham Palace revealed the design of the invitations that will be sent to the 2,000 guests for Charles’ crowning ceremony. The design of the card includes ornate calligraphy in navy blue, bordered by double gold lines and a wildflower meadow illustration in vibrant hues on the outer edge. According to the royal family’s website, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator named Andrew Jameson hand-painted the masterpiece with watercolors and and gouache. Based on the site, the artist will recreate the design on a recycled card and add gold foil. 

April 14, 2023: A Star-Studded Coronation Concert Lineup

BBC announced that Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli, British pop group Take That, Welsh-bsss baritone Sir Bryn Terkel, singer-songwriter Freya Ridings, and classical-soul composer and producer Alexis Ffrench will perform at the coronation concert, which will take place at Windsor Castle. “To share the stage with the other performers at the coronation concert is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it will be an honor and a celebration,” Richie said in the press release. Bocelli, who played at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s ceremony, also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “My joy and excitement is multiplied as I have the chance to duet with my dear friend and superb baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, performing an iconic song of love and collective solidarity,” Bocelli said.

February 5, 2024: In Sickness and in Health

On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer and would begin treatment immediately, People reports. “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the palace said in a statement.

March 21, 2024: Queen Camilla Shares an Update on the King’s Health

During an official visit to Belfast, Ireland, on March 21, 2024, Queen Camilla visited a few family-owned food shops. There, a fan gave her a get-well card to share with the King, People reports. “He’s doing very well. He was very disappointed he couldn’t come,” Queen Camilla told the well-wisher. When someone noted that “men don’t make the best patients,” Camilla joked, “I try to keep him in order.”