History of Queen Camilla in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2026

Queen Camilla, born Camilla Shand, is the Queen of the United Kingdom and the wife of King Charles III. Her journey into the British Royal Family was marked by a long-term, high-profile relationship with the King, which faced significant public and media scrutiny for decades. After their marriage in 2005, she adopted the title of Duchess of Cornwall and dedicated herself to royal duties, focusing on charitable causes such as literacy, domestic violence awareness, and animal welfare. Upon the accession of King Charles III in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, she assumed the title of Queen Consort, and later, Queen. Over time, she has transitioned from a controversial public figure to a respected senior royal, recognized for her steady support of the monarch and her commitment to representing the Crown through public engagements and patronage.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

July 1947: Birth of Camilla Rosemary Shand

On 17 July 1947, Camilla Rosemary Shand was born at King's College Hospital in London to Major Bruce Shand and Rosalind Cubitt.

1964: Departure from Queen's Gate School

In 1964, Camilla Shand concluded her studies at Queen's Gate School, leaving with a single O-level qualification as her parents decided she did not need to pursue A-levels.

March 1965: Debutante Presentation

On March 1965, Camilla Shand was presented as a debutante in London, becoming one of 311 young women to participate in the tradition that year.

1970: Andrew Parker Bowles ends relationship with Camilla Shand

In 1970, Andrew Parker Bowles ended his romantic relationship with Camilla Shand and began courting Princess Anne.

1971: Camilla Shand meets Prince Charles

In 1971, Camilla Shand and Prince Charles were formally introduced by their mutual friend Lucía Santa Cruz at her home, beginning a significant romantic relationship that became well-known within their social circle.

July 1973: Marriage of Camilla Shand and Andrew Parker Bowles

On July 4, 1973, Camilla Shand and Andrew Parker Bowles were married in a Catholic ceremony held at the Guards' Chapel, Wellington Barracks, in London. The wedding, attended by 800 guests including members of the British Royal Family, was widely recognized as the society wedding of the year.

1973: Marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles

In 1973, Camilla married British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles, marking a significant transition in her personal life.

1973: Marriage of Virginia Carington and Lord Ashcombe

In 1973, Virginia Carington, a friend and flatmate of Camilla Shand, entered into marriage with Shand's uncle, Lord Ashcombe.

1973: The end of the relationship between Camilla and Charles

In early 1973, the romantic relationship between Camilla and Prince Charles was put on hold due to Charles's overseas deployment with the Royal Navy and eventually ended abruptly thereafter.

1974: Birth of Tom Parker Bowles

In 1974, Camilla and her then-husband welcomed their first child, a son named Tom Parker Bowles.

1978: Birth of Laura Lopes

In 1978, Camilla and her then-husband expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, Laura Lopes.

August 1979: Assassination of Lord Mountbatten

In August 1979, Lord Mountbatten was assassinated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army, leading Prince Charles to seek emotional support from Camilla, which sparked rumors of a rekindled affair.

1979: Divorce of Virginia Carington and Lord Ashcombe

In 1979, the marriage between Virginia Carington and Lord Ashcombe officially concluded following their separation.

1980: Rekindling of Relationship and Zimbabwean Independence Celebrations

By 1980, sources confirmed that Camilla and Prince Charles had resumed their romantic relationship, and Camilla served as his official escort during the Zimbabwean independence celebrations held in 1980.

1981: Marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer

In 1981, Prince Charles entered into a marriage with Lady Diana Spencer, effectively transitioning away from his relationship with Camilla during that year.

1986: Rekindling of relationship

In 1986, it was admitted by Prince Charles that his romantic relationship with Camilla was rekindled after his marriage to Princess Diana had effectively broken down.

1992: Publication of Diana: Her True Story

In 1992, the book Diana: Her True Story was published, which brought the affair between Camilla and Charles to public knowledge through press reports.

1993: Tampongate scandal

During 1993, the 'Tampongate' scandal erupted when transcripts of an intimate recorded phone conversation between Camilla and Charles were published in the tabloids.

December 1994: Divorce proceedings initiated

In December 1994, after 21 years of marriage, Camilla and her husband initiated divorce proceedings due to the fact that they had been living separately for several years.

1994: Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role interview

In 1994, Prince Charles discussed his relationship with Camilla during an interview with Jonathan Dimbleby for the documentary Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role, confirming their friendship.

1994: Commencement of Osteoporosis Advocacy

Starting in 1994, Camilla began her dedicated campaign to raise public awareness regarding osteoporosis, a commitment that eventually resulted in her receiving multiple honors and awards for her philanthropic contributions.

January 1995: Divorce petition granted

In January 1995, the High Court Family Division in London heard and granted the divorce petition for Camilla and her spouse.

March 1995: Finalization of divorce

On March 3, 1995, the divorce between Camilla and her husband was officially finalized.

1995: Divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles

In 1995, Camilla's marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles officially ended in divorce.

1995: Employment of Mark Bolland

In 1995, Prince Charles hired Mark Bolland to help refurbish his public image, a move that would later involve efforts to enhance Camilla's profile as well.

July 1997: Car Accident

In July 1997, Camilla was involved in a head-on collision while driving to Highgrove House, though she and the other party escaped with no major injuries.

1999: First Public Appearance with Prince Charles

In 1999, Camilla and Prince Charles made their first high-profile public appearance together at a birthday party held at the Ritz London Hotel, attracting global media attention.

2000: Official Engagements in Scotland

During 2000, Camilla began accompanying Prince Charles on a series of official royal engagements throughout Scotland.

2001: Presidency of the Royal Osteoporosis Society

In 2001, Camilla was appointed president of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, a role that served to formally introduce her to the wider public.

2005: Marriage of Camilla and Charles

In 2005, Camilla wed Charles at the Windsor Guildhall, an event marked by an Anglican blessing ceremony held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

2005: Countess Mountbatten Commentary on Charles and Camilla

In 2005, Patricia Knatchbull, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma, reflected on the historical circumstances surrounding the relationship between Prince Charles and Camilla, noting that their marriage would not have been permitted in the past.

2005: Virginia Carington Appointed as Aide

In 2005, Virginia Carington assumed a new professional role as a special aide to Camilla and Prince Charles.

2007: Publication of Diana by Sarah Bradford

In 2007, Sarah Bradford released her book titled Diana, in which she cited a close acquaintance of Lord Mountbatten who claimed that Mountbatten orchestrated Charles's overseas departure to sabotage his relationship with Shand and encourage a match with Amanda Knatchbull.

2008: Publication of Royal: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In his 2008 book Royal: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, author Robert Lacey suggests that the relationship between Prince Charles and Camilla Shand ended because Charles met her too early and failed to ask her to wait for him while he was away on military duties.