Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla in Aotearoa 2019

Camilla
Queen consort of the United Kingdom
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 King's College Hospital, London, England
Names Camilla Rosemary Shand
House	House of Windsor
Father	Bruce Shand
Mother	Rosalind Cubitt
Religion	Church of England

Camilla (born Camilla Rosemary Shand, later Parker Bowles; 17 July 1947) is the Queen consort of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms as the wife of Charles III. She became queen consort on 8 September 2022, upon the accession of her husband, following the death of Elizabeth II.

Early life and education

Camilla was born at King's College Hospital in London to Major Bruce Shand and Rosalind Cubitt. She grew up in East Sussex and South Kensington and was educated at Dumbrells School, an all-girls school in Sussex, and later at Queen's Gate School in South Kensington. She also attended the Mon Fertile finishing school in Switzerland and studied at the Institut Britannique in Paris.

Marriage and family

Camilla married British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973. They had two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. The couple divorced in 1995.

Relationship with Charles, Prince of Wales

Camilla's relationship with Charles, Prince of Wales has been the subject of significant media attention. The couple first met in the early 1970s, and their relationship continued even after their respective marriages. Following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Charles and Camilla made their relationship public. They were married in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall on 9 April 2005, followed by a service of blessing at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Role as Queen Consort

As queen consort, Camilla supports her husband in his duties as monarch. She is involved in various charitable activities and organizations, particularly those related to health, literacy, and animal welfare. Camilla is the patron of numerous organizations, including the National Osteoporosis Society, The Royal Osteoporosis Society, and The Royal Academy of Dance.

Titles, styles, and honours

• 17 July 1947 – 4 July 1973: Miss Camilla Shand
• 4 July 1973 – 3 March 1995: Mrs Andrew Parker Bowles
• 3 March 1995 – 9 April 2005: Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles
• 9 April 2005 – 8 September 2022: Duchess of Cornwall
• 8 September 2022 – present: Queen consort of the United Kingdom

Public perception and media

Camilla's public image has evolved over the years. Initially, she faced significant public scrutiny and criticism, particularly in the context of her relationship with Charles during his marriage to Diana. Over time, however, she has gained a more positive public perception through her charitable work and dedication to her royal duties.

See also

• Charles III
• House of Windsor
• British royal family
• Commonwealth realms