Prince Charles to marry Camilla

People Forum

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince Charles has announced he will marry his longtime lover, Camilla Parker Bowles, the woman partly blamed by Princess Diana for the breakdown of her marriage to the heir to the throne.

The wedding will be a civil ceremony in Windsor Castle on April 8, followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St. George's Chapel at which the Archbishop of Canterbury will preside.

Charles said he and his wife-to-be were "absolutely delighted" at their engagement.

When offered congratulations as he entered Goldsmiths' Hall in London for an engagement Thursday morning, he said: "Thank you very much, you're so kind." He added: "I am very excited."

On their marriage, Parker Bowles will be given the title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall.

When Charles becomes king, Camilla will not be known as Queen Camilla but as the Princess Consort, according to Charles' office.

A statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II said: "The Duke of Edinburgh and I are very happy that the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Parker Bowles are to marry. We have given them our warmest good wishes for their future together."

Charles and Diana's two sons William and Harry said they were "delighted" at the announcement, a Clarence House aide told the UK's Press Association.

The princes want the couple to be happy, the senior official added.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who in 1997 mourned the death of the "People's Princess" Diana, said he was "delighted for the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles, it's very happy news."

He said the Cabinet had sent congratulations and good wishes, adding: "We all wish them every happiness for their future together."

The announcement, four days before St. Valentine's Day, came as a surprise to many royal observers.

Charles' love life has been the cause of much speculation in Britain since the death of Diana in a Paris car crash, one year after the couple divorced.

Parker Bowles, 57, who divorced her husband Andrew in 1995, has been the significant love of Charles' life in recent years but has always faced an uphill struggle to rival his former wife in the public's affection.

Since then, and after several years of carefully choreographed appearances together, Parker Bowles has now been widely accepted as Charles' long-term partner.

She openly shares official rooms with the prince, 56, at his Clarence House residence in London.

On the death of the queen, Charles would become the titular head of the Church of England, and some Anglicans remain opposed to the remarriage of divorcees.

On Thursday Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who heads the world's Anglicans, said he was pleased the couple had decided to take "this important step."

"I hope and pray that it will prove a source of comfort and strength to them and to those who are closest to them."

Parker Bowles will be stepmother to William and Prince Harry, second and third in line to the British throne, respectively.

Diana partly blamed her husband's relationship with Parker Bowles for the failure of her marriage. "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," Diana said in a 1995 TV interview.

In 1994, Charles admitted in a TV documentary that he had strayed from his marriage vows, but insisted the infidelity happened only after the marriage was "irretrievably broken down, us both having tried."

It was widely assumed, but never confirmed, that Parker Bowles -- who has two children, Tom 30, and Laura, 24 -- was the other woman.

Hurdle
CNN's Richard Quest said the 2002 death of the Queen Mother, Charles' grandmother, had apparently removed the major hurdle to his marriage to Parker Bowles.

Friends of the prince welcomed news of his impending marriage. Conservative MP Nicholas Soames said he was "absolutely delighted."

"I'm very, very happy for both the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Parker Bowles. I think it's wonderful," he told PA.

A spokeswoman for Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer told PA he would be making no comment on the announcement.

Diana's biographer, Lady Colin Campbell, said Camilla was a marked contrast to Diana, preferring simple country pursuits to a life of Hollywood-style glamor.

She said she expected a much simpler wedding to the major spectacle of Charles' wedding to Diana in London's St. Paul's Cathedral in July 1981.

Campbell said Charles' office Clarence House had mounted a long-running campaign to make marriage between the couple acceptable to the British people.

An opinion poll in June last year showed Britons would narrowly approve of a marriage between Charles and his partner.

A second marriage for the Prince of Wales would have the support of 32 percent of the British public, with 29 percent opposed, according to the Populus poll conducted for The Times newspaper.

However, it was revealed that most Britons -- 38 percent -- did not care whether Charles and Parker Bowles married.

'Journey'
Three years ago Prince Charles answered a question about whether he planned to marry Parker Bowles by saying, "You can't be certain about anything."

On an interview given to the UK tabloid Daily Mail to mark the 25th anniversary of The Prince's Trust, Prince Charles was asked whether he planned to remarry. He said: "Will I be alive tomorrow? Who knows what the Good Lord has planned. You can't be certain about anything. I don't know.

"I just think it's important, particularly as I get older, to think about the journey that's coming next."

Thursday's wedding announcement comes before the completion of the inquest into Diana's death.

Former head of the Metropolitan Police Sir John Stevens is still investigating the car crash in which she died in August 1997.

Charles' biographer, Penny Junor, told Reuters: "This will divide opinion and some people will think it is the end of the world. But once it has happened, people will accept it.

"He's very much in love with her and she with him. That's just the way it is."

As head of the Church of England, should he be doing this? Thread open to talk of the marriage.

She's been his "consort" all along...the official title fits well.

That is soooo true SWTT.

Panda, I never doubted your knowledge of the subject.

I think it's since the Church changed the laws about divorcees being allowed to remarry that he's allowed to still be King.

There was a poll done in the UK after the announcement that said that 70% of the population didn't like the idea of them marrying. She is never going to be properly accepted by the British people, she will always be the "other woman" who ruined Charles' and Diana's relationship.

What would happen if they had kids?

Panda - have the Princes officially said anything about the marriage?

Are there any other Americans here that don't give two squirts about this?

-HECK!

I would assume that ALL Americans, unless they're duel UK subjects, wouldn't give a toss about it.

But I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally don't care.

A bird flying by the window is more interesting.

But there are some people in the U.S. that gush over this. I don't get what the draw is.

-HECK!

There are other monarchies that are greater, this one is just the most famous.

I could not give a damn reallly, I think we should get rid of the royal family. All I care about is one thing and that is how much is this wedding going to cost as no doubt we will probbaly be footing the bill in some form.

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Prince Charles' bride-to-be holds up the symbol of her new status for all the world to see

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Appearing together at a Windsor Castle reception the couple were clearly thrilled that the issue of their relationship, which has been in limbo for many years, is finally resolved

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As Charles' wife Camilla will become the Duchess of Cornwall. She will be only the third woman in history to hold the title. The first was Caroline of Ansbach, in 1714, and the other was Mary of Teck (above) who received it when her husband's father, Edward VII, ascended the throne in 1901

Camilla Shows Off Her Enagagement Ring

Newly engaged Camilla Parker Bowles was glowing as she showed off her dazzling engagement ring – a royal family heirloom – at a Windsor Castle reception on Thursday evening. The platinum-set jewel features a square-cut central diamond flanked by a further three baguette-cut stones.

Appearing for the first time in public as the Prince of Wales' intended, the 57-year-old divorcee revealed that Prince Charles went down on bended knee to ask for her hand. The couple are due to tie the knot in a civil ceremony followed by a blessing at St George's Chapel in Windsor Palace on April 8.

According to reports the announcement of the engagement was planned for Valentine's Day, but had to be brought forward after the news was leaked to a British newspaper.

At the reception Camilla, who wore a full-length fuchsia gown by Jean Muir for her first appearance as a bride-to-be, admitted: "I am only just coming down to earth". Her Prince, wreathed in smiles, was similarly enthusiastic and announced, "I'm very happy".

Camilla's marriage will make her the second highest-ranking women in the kingdom after the Queen. Upon her nuptials she will be known as Her Royal Highness, and will take precedence over both Princess Anne and Prince Edward's wife Sophie.

As Prince Charles' wife, she will become Duchess of Cornwall, only one of three women in British history to hold the title. The two previous Duchesses – Caroline of Ansbach and Mary of Teck – held the title only briefly before becoming Princesses of Wales, a title which Camilla will not hold.

When Charles inherits the throne Camilla will be known as the Princess Consort, although there is apparently sufficient leeway in the current arrangement to allow Camilla to become Queen should the public support such a move.

- Hello

It sounds funny, but I thought her ring would be bigger and better than that. I think J-Lo and Ben Affleck's engagement ring was better than that and they were super-crass about everything, you would think a Prince's engagement ring woudl outdo a movie star's ring.

They want to be discrete. Ha.

And now they could be screwed because top lawyers have found out that under English Law members of the Royal family cannot be married in a civil cermony ( the law clearly states that members of the Royal family are excluded from civl ceremonies). So they now have three options 1. Plead with the government to cahnge the laws ( no chance in hell) 2. get married in a civil cermony in Scotland 3. go for a full scale wedding which also would be very difficult.

Prince and Camilla Receive Church Blessing

Prince Charles and his fiancée Camilla Parker Bowles received the blessing of a local priest when they attended church on Sunday.

Braving a particularly cold and blustery morning, the newly engaged couple were amongst the last of the 34-strong congregation to arrive at St Lawrence's church in Didmarton, a picturesque village close to Charles' Highgrove estate.

Camilla wrapped herself in a green coat with matching lapels and beige knee high suede boots, while Charles went with a camel coloured tweed coat to keep out the crisp morning air.

During the service, the congregation offered up their prayers for a happy union and the Reverend Christopher Mulholland also gave a special blessing to Charles and Camilla.

"I prayed for their happiness together and that they may come to love one another more each day and more draw closer to God," said Reverend afterwards.

Apparently the 56-year-old heir to the throne already has his eye on a special wedding gift for his betrothed - a magnificent black pony stallion that goes by the name of Rosmarth Rompole and is a descendant of one of the Queen's own fell ponies.

The rare breed pony caught Camilla's eye recently when she saw it grazing in a field near Balmoral's Birkhall House – where the couple is set to celebrate their honeymoon after their April 8 wedding at Windsor Castle.

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Charles and Camilla braved the cold temperatures to attend Sunday church service in the picturesque village of Didmarton

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The couple's official engagement photo shows a beaming kilt-clad Prince alongside his long-term partner

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The couple have been busy overseeing renovations at Birkhall House, in Scotland, so that it is ready in time for their honeymoon in April

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The civil wedding on April 8 will be followed by a service of prayer and dedication at St George's Chapel (pictured) in the grounds of Windsor Castle. It was here that Charles' younger brother Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in June 1999

- Hello

It's about time. It's a shame that Camilla and Charles were never able to marry before now. Perhaps Diana would be alive, had the rules of royalty been different. But then we probably wouldn't even know she existed.
Good for them.

The article says:

I gues sthat could mean anything, but in the UK you can pretty much be guaranteed that it's always cold and gloomy, so if they make of point of saying it was very cold, then they generally mean it was pretty bloody cold!

I think he was smiling so much with her because Camilla is more on his level as far as looks. Diana was beautiful and dare I say sexy.......I think that he felt that she wasn't modest looking enough for him to be smiling so much in the pics.

Camilla, on the other hand looks more like what old England would accept as a queen(stuffier,modest) wheras Princess Diana was more glamorus.

but Camilla cant become queen, and Charles knows it

Charles and Camilla's Windsor Wedding Surprise

Prince Charles' plans to marry Camilla Parker Bowles have hit a major setback after it was discovered they cannot make their vows in Windsor Castle. The couple had announced their intention to tie the knot amid the grandeur of the Queen's favourite home, but it now seems they will have to make do with the rather more humble setting of the local town hall.

They were forced to abandon their original plans because of the laws surrounding licences for civil weddings. If the Royal Family were to stage such a ceremony at the Castle, they would have been legally obliged to allow members of the public to marry there for a period of three years thereafter.

Clarence House has also been forced to make the embarrassing admission that it had not thought to check whether there might be any legal problems. The Prince's aides had apparently been so busy looking into the issues surrounding Camilla's status as Princess Consort that they neglected to investigate the venue itself.

As things stand now the heir to the throne will say 'I do' at the Guildhall on Windsor High Street. While the venue is just a few hundred yards from the gates of the Castle, it also stands next to a John Lewis clothes store and the Three Tuns public house.

After the ceremony the newlyweds and their entourage will return to the castle, where the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will preside over a blessing in St George's Chapel.

The bride and groom would be forgiven for feeling a little disappointed at the turn of events, but their representatives were keen to point out that it is good news for the public. "People will be able to see the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles arrive and leave, rather than them being behind the castle walls," explained a Clarence House spokesman.

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Prince Charles and his long-time companion will make their vows on April 8. Clarence House has been forced to admit it did not check into the legal ramifications of staging the wedding in Windsor Castle

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The heir to the throne and his future wife will wed in the Guildhall on Windsor High Street

Camilla Looks To Old Friends for Wedding Day Fashions

The design duo of Antonia Robinson and Anna Valentine has been chosen by Camilla Parker Bowles to design her wedding dress for her civil ceremony marriage to Prince Charles on April 8.

As Camilla has grown more confident as a public figure, she has also branched out with her fashion choices, adopting increasingly elegant styles. She first discovered Kensington-based Robinson Valentine in 2001 thanks to a friend's recommendation, and they have been vital in helping effect her style transformation.

One of the more notable Robinson Valentine creations the future Duchess of Cornwall has worn in recent years was the spectacular cream-coloured silk crepe evening gown with turquoise scarf and matching handbag she showed off at a charity ball at Somerset House in July 2002. Camilla later dazzled at the Fashion Rocks Prince's Trust benefit at the Albert Hall in October 2003, sporting a luxurious navy velvet gown with satin panels and sheer sleeves.

"Robinson Valentine are the smart label of choice for the younger country set," says John Davidson, fashion stylist for London Bride magazine. "They have a much more fashionable approach than many of their 'dressmaker' contemporaries and are very highly regarded in Camilla's circle, especially for their wedding dresses. They are like the English Vera Wang."

To top off the wedding outfit, Camilla has chosen the services of à la mode milliner Philip Treacy to design her hat. Philip, whose bold and exquisite designs have decked just about every famous head in the world from royalty to rock stars, is another long-term fashion favourite of Camilla's.

"I'm delighted and honoured," said the Irish-born milliner after learning the news.

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Camilla making a spectacular entrance in a Robinson Valentine creation at Somerset House in July 2002

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The future Duchess of Cornwall opted for one of Philip Treacy's jaunty feather and bow hats at the wedding of her niece, Alice Elliot, to Luke Irwin in 2003

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Another dazzling entrance, this time at the Fashion Rocks Prince's Trust benefit at the Albert Hall in October 2003, with this luxurious gown by Kensington-based Robinson Valentine

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As Camilla has grown more confident as a public figure, she has also branched out with her fashion choices

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Camilla arriving at the Winter Gala at the Royal Opera House in November 2004 in a winter wow burgundy velvet Robinson Valentine creation

- Hello

It doesn't matter how many stylists and trainers and guru's and designers and make up artists, Camilla has, she will never ever have the beauty and grace that Diana had naturally.

Even in her 80's puffy ball gown wedding dress Diana looked stunning, even with all the plastic surgery Camilla has had, she will never look as good as Diana.

Queen to Miss Royal Wedding

Prince Charles' parents won't be there to share the moment when he ties the knot with fiancée Camilla Parker Bowles in April. The Queen and Prince Philip have confirmed reports they are not to attend the ceremony in Windsor's Town Hall, though Buckingham Palace insists their decision should not be interpreted as a snub.

"The Queen's prime concern is that the civil ceremony should be as low-key as possible, in line with the couple's wishes," explained a spokeswoman. "Clearly, if she were to attend, the occasion would no longer be low-key. She is attending the service of dedication and paying for the reception - this is not a snub."

Prince William and his brother Prince Harry will both be going along to the Guildhall on April 8, as will Camilla's children Tom and Laura. After the civil ceremony, the newlyweds will join the rest of the Royal Family for a blessing in St George's Chapel, before a reception in Windsor Castle.

Her Majesty's decision comes after a week of controversy in which the couple were forced to abandon their original plans to wed in Windsor Castle. Some legal experts have argued that members of the royal family can only marry in a church, but because of their previous relationships this is not an option for Charles and Camilla.

- Hello

I don't like Camilla, not many people do, the Queen included. But for her not to go to her own sons wedding is just revolting.

She says she doesn't want to make a fuss. It's going to be a big deal whether she turns up or not, her being there isn't going to make it less of a big deal. If anything; her refusing to go to the wedding is generating more press coverage than if she had just said nothing and gone along quietly.

How must Charles feel about this? No matter what her role in public, in private she is still his mother and to have your own mother say she is not coming to your wedding must hurt like a punch in the guts. If I was Charles, I'd tell her she'd better come or I would never speak to her again.

So you think her going to her own sons wedding would be dragging her down to our level? That she's too high and mightly for "normal" things?

I just don't think it matters where it's being held and why, it's her sons wedding for God's sake. She should be there.

But shes the queen, there are republicans, (or people who favour government ruling, and have no monarch) who look at everything the queen does, looking for a reason to be come a republic (i may be talking a load of ... but it could happen). Yes its her son, but its also a whole thing of remarrying ... i cant really say anything, because im no expert on the polotics of Royals and marrage.

I just post what I find.

Charles Says "No" to Public Wedding Broadcast

Royal watchers hoping to watch Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles say "I do" at this spring's wedding of the year are going to be disappointed. In a stark contrast to the Prince of Wales' first wedding to Lady Diana Spencer, viewed by 750 million people on TV around the world, his second nuptials will not be broadcast.

The decision to keep cameras out of the April 8 civil ceremony, to be held at Windsor Guildhall, means that the highly anticipated event will be the first royal wedding in modern times not to be televised. Furthermore, there are no plans for a post-wedding walkabout, nor will an official photograph taken during the nuptials be released. "It will be a completely private event," insists a Clarence House spokesperson.

It has not yet been decided whether or not there will be live coverage of the blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury at St George's Chapel after the ceremony.

The Royal Family's past weddings have consistently drawn significant audiences in the UK. Princess Anne's wedding to Mark Phillips attracted nearly 28 million viewers, while about 20 million watched as Prince Andrew made his vows with Sarah Ferguson.

- Hello

800 million watched Diana's wedding and only 200 people will see this wedding. That REALLY is downsizing!

Is the Queen still not goingh to the wedding? Or did she change her mind?

Royalty and Statesmen

Monarch First, Mother Second

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While most people would think it unusual for a mother to miss the remarriage of her eldest son, the Queen regards herself as Head of State first, and wife, mother and grandmother second. Throughout her life she has adhered to certain principles and precedents. So even something as personal as a family wedding can be a minefield of royal protocol that makes perfect sense to Her Majesty and her advisers, but can be confusing to outsiders.

DECLINED INVITATIONS

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The Queen got an early lesson in royal protocol when she had to decline the role of bridesmaid at the wedding of Edward VIII to divorcee Wallis Simpson

When the divorced Princess Royal married Tim Laurence in Crathie Kirk in 1992, the Queen sought assurances from leading clerics that her presence at the service wouldn't in any way compromise her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Since she doesn't have the same role within the Church of Scotland, it wasn't a problem.

At the time, the Queen must have reflected on the irony of how, 56 years earlier, the decision of King Edward VIII to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson rocked the monarchy to its foundations. By the time the King had abdicated and was preparing for his wedding day, the young Princess Elizabeth had already been bridesmaid to Edward's two brothers. He naturally assumed she would attend his bride, too, but one by one his royal relations declined his invitations. It was not considered appropriate for any of them to attend a civil wedding of a Prince to a divorcee. This early lesson in royal status and the problem of marrying divorcees was one the 11-year- old Elizabeth would never forget.

AVOIDING CONTROVERSY

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Queen Ingrid of Denmark was the only European royal who accepted the invitation to attend Princess Margaret's wedding to Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960

Avoiding controversy has always been one of the Queen's priorities. At a time when even the innocent parties of a divorce were banned from the royal presence at Palace garden parties or the royal enclosure at Ascot, newspapers took delight in speculating how the Queen would react to sitting opposite the bridegroom's twice-divorced father and divorced mother when her sister Margaret married society photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. There was more media delight when the best man, Jeremy Fry, had to be hastily replaced before the wedding when it was discovered that he had a conviction for a homosexual offence eight years earlier.

For the Queen the most upsetting aspect of her sister's wedding was that the invited European royal families all declined to attend with the exception of Margaret's godmother, Queen Ingrid of Denmark. Royal princesses were expected to marry princes, dukes or earls. The idea of Margaret marrying a mere Mr – albeit a double-barrelled one – was widely ridiculed by her continental cousins.

AN EXCEPTIONAL GUEST

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The Queen almost never attends the weddings of European royals, but there have been a few exceptions, including Princess Alexia of Greece's 1999 wedding in London

Following the precedent set by her parents and grandparents, the Queen almost never attends the weddings of European royals. Instead, she is represented by members of her family. Prince Charles represented her at the wedding of Crown Prince Felipe of Spain, while Edward and Sophie represented her at Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark's wedding. There has been the occasional exception. The Queen has attended the London weddings of two of the King of Greece's children – Prince Pavlos and Princess Alexia.

FAMILY AFFAIRS

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When Princess Anne married Mark Phillips in 1973, TV cameras were ordered to switch away from the Queen's face when Anne said, “I will”

Family weddings are an emotional occasion for any mother, and although the Queen has years of royal training it is still an ordeal for her to be centre stage at such a private, intimate ceremony. When Princess Anne married Mark Phillips in 1973, TV cameras were ordered to switch away from the Queen's face when Anne said, “I will”. One newspaper reported that “the royal jaw was clenched as hard as her tightly gripped handbag. She couldn't squeeze a word of the opening hymn past the obvious lumps in her throat. But she didn't cry”.

At Charles and Diana's wedding, “she bit her lip with emotion and gazed hard at her order of service,” an

EMOTIONS

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At the wedding reception of Timothy Knatchbull and Isabella Norman, the Queen shed a tear as the bridegroom paid tribute to his twin brother, killed in an IRA attack

Although controlled in public, the Queen is more emotional than she is normally given credit for. At the reception following the 1998 wedding of Timothy Knatchbull to Isabella Norman, the bridegroom paid a moving tribute to his twin brother who was murdered alongside their grandfather, Earl Mountbatten, in an IRA attack.

Guests noticed that the Queen, listening intently to the speech, had tears pouring down her cheeks.

CHARLES AND CAMILLA

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The Queen is more than happy to attend Charles and Camilla's blessing at St George's Chapel and sees it as far more signifcant than a registry wedding

The royal attitude to divorce may have improved since the days of the abdication but it is something the Queen is still clearly uneasy with, despite her attendance at Anne's remarriage. She is more than happy to attend the blessing in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. As a deeply spiritual woman and head of the Church of England, this part of the day will be regarded by the Queen as far more significant than a register office ceremony.

Naturally, she will be concerned about the damage the remarriage of the heir to the throne has done to the monarchy. At the same time, though, she will relieved that Camilla's position in Charles's life has been formally recognised by the Church and the law before he becomes King.

- Hello

PRINCE CHARLES INVITES FOUR EX-GIRLFRIENDS TO WEDDING

British royal Prince Charles has invited four ex-girlfriends to his April wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles.

The heir to the throne has reportedly sent an invitation to his first lover, Lucia Santa Cruz, who dated him during his student days at Britain's prestigious Cambridge University.

The prince separated from Santa Cruz after they graduated, when she introduced him to his future wife, Parker Bowles.

Amanda Knatchbull, the first woman Charles proposed marriage to, is also on the guest list, as well as his brief partner Sabrina Guinness, and the Duke of Wellington's daughter Lady Jane Wellesley, who left Charles because his royal lifestyle threatened her independence, reports British newspaper the Daily Mail.

- SF Gate

I never really knew Prince Charles had girlfriends before Diana. I guess it was inevitable, but people don't really talk about anything that happened before Diana. I certainly never knew he had proposed to someone before Diana.

I supose its abit like William right now, he's quite the ladies man, like father, like son? ... maybe.

But to someone his age he "might" look alright And in his day, all 40 years ago he might have been good looking to women of the day. but yes, being the hier to the throne of England does give you a certain ... likability

Camilla Will be Queen Unless Laws Changed

Constitutional Affairs Minister Christopher Leslie has confirmed that under current legislation Camilla Parker Bowles would automatically become Queen when her future husband, the Prince of Wales, accedes to the throne.

Questioned by a lawmaker, Mr Leslie confirmed the upcoming marriage would not be "morganatic", therefore Camilla automatically inherits the title of Queen when Charles becomes monarch.

Though at the time the engagement was revealed, it was announced Camilla would be given the title of Princess Consort when Charles is king, current British law dictates otherwise.

Government sources have said legal changes will be necessary to "comply with (Camilla's) wishes not to become queen". Labour MP Andrew McKinlay points out that legislation would be needed in many countries – namely, wherever the British monarch is head of state.

Taking public sentiment into consideration, the Prince of Wales had announced that, after his April 8 wedding, Camilla would become the Duchess of Cornwall. She would then take the title of Princess Consort when he accedes the throne.

- Hello

So will they have to change the laws back if a future divorced person remarries and becomes King and wants his wife to be Queen?

What a waste of time.

i supose whe will be given he title, but if the law stays the same, then she could aply to be queen .

But if my memory serves me right, king henry 8th remarryed 5 times. 2 of which were after a devorce. I dont know if the laws have changed since.

Royal Wedding Souveniers

Anyone intending to raise a toast to Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles on the day of their wedding will be able to do so in appropriately regal style, as the Royal Collection has issued two bone china tankards to mark the occasion.

The £20 pieces, which go on sale March 26 at royal residences like Windsor and Buckingham Palace, are decorated with 22 carat gold and the bear the names of the bride and groom along with the date of their big day. Handmade in Staffordshire, they also feature Camilla's personal motif, two entwined letter Cs, below the feather of the heir apparent.

Unofficial mementos of the royal wedding have also been flooding the high street. Shop windows around the UK are displaying everything from commemorative keyrings to "Charles and Camilla" tea-towels and flags in anticipation of the occasion.

Some souvenirs take a light-hearted approach to the upcoming union, with T-shirts bearing caricatures of the Prince of Wales and his fiancée becoming hot sellers.

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The official Charles and Camilla tankards

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More mass-market offerings include such as inexpensive items as key rings

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Retailers have wasted no time in meeting the demand for wedding memorabilia

- Hello

Some of that memorablia is so funny, they have gross masks of Charles and Camilla as well. So tasteless.

Diana is rolling in her grave.

the tea towel is funny, they tried to make it look pritty, the hair reminds me of diana, but that face ... wow

William to Be Witness at Charles' Wedding

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The Prince of Wales and his future wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, have chosen their eldest children to act as witnesses at their April 8 nuptials, Clarence House has confirmed.

Prince William and Tom Parker Bowles will serve the important role at the civil wedding, to be held in the intimate Ascot Room at the Guildhall in Windsor. The bride and groom will arrive together for the town hall ceremony, driven in a 1962 Rolls Royce Phantom V previously used by Charles' grandmother, the Queen Mother.

News of William's prominent participation comes just a few weeks after reports he and his younger brother Prince Harry would not serve as supporters – the royal version of best men – in the history-making ceremony. "It's not that sort of wedding," said a spokesperson in February. "The two boys will have a role throughout the wedding in so much as being by their father's side."

Prince Harry will be among the 30 guests at the civil ceremony, along with Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, the Countess of Wessex, Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence. Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, and daughter, Laura Parker Bowles, will also be present for the 20-minute service.

Though further attendees have not been confirmed, around 700 people are expected at the blessing and reception following the vows. Among the reported guests will be a number of Charles' former flames, including Lucia Santa Cruz, Lady Jane Wellesley and Amanda Knatchbull. Invitees from the world of entertainment include Joanna Lumley, Barry Humphries, Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry, while the royal guest list is rumoured to include Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

- Hello

I think it's great that he'll be there with his dad and act as a witness. I did it when my dad remarried and it was really important for him to know that I supported his new life with his new wife.

It also may help lessen the pain that Charles must feel because his mother is not attending the wedding.

I think it will be good for william, because i doubt hes going to be able to go to a civic weding again, because Kings and queens don't usually go to them ... one of the reasons the Queen isn't going to this wedding

Charles and Camilla Postpone Wedding

Just five days from the royal wedding of the year, Clarence House has announced that Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles will not marry on Friday as planned, due to the fact that the Pope's funeral is to be held that day.

Clarence House has also confirmed Prince Charles will be attending the April 8 funeral mass in Rome, postponing his wedding until the following day, Saturday April 9.

And in yet another twist in Charles and Camilla's path to marriage, it appears Camilla will inherit the title Princess of Wales, which was once held by Charles' first wife, Princess Diana. This new development, which was expected to be officially confirmed by the government on Monday, conflicts with previous reports that the Prince of Wales' new wife would not bear the title.

Though she will legally possess the title, Camilla has insisted that she will be known as the Duchess of Cornwall after her wedding, and as the Princess Consort when Charles accedes the throne. A spokeswoman for the Department of Constitutional Affairs said: "She will be the Princess of Wales, but she will not use the title. Clarence House have said this all the way through."

Last month, it emerged that, despite reports to the contrary, the 57-year-old divorcée will be Queen when her soon-to-be husband becomes king. Though Camilla has expressed that she does not want to be Queen, legal changes wherever the British monarch is head of state would be required to comply with her wishes.

- Hello

Charles Upbeat Despite Wedding Woes

Though it seems like everything that could possibly go wrong has done so as his wedding approaches, Prince Charles has maintained a sense of humour as he prepares to tie the knot with longtime companion Camilla Parker Bowles.

Apparently unfazed by the many obstacles that have arisen in the run-up to the nuptials – including a last-minute change of date after the wedding conflicted with Pope John Paul II's funeral – Charles was able to joke about his unrelenting string of bad luck.
Referring to his pending trip to Italy, he reportedly quipped: "If I find a priest in Rome I might just stay there and get married instead."

Camilla appears similarly calm, continuing to look relaxed and happy this week as she left a Mayfair salon where she had her hair highlighted. Indeed the laid-back bride-to-be even took time to chat with staff over a cup of tea. And she has another thing to smile about, as she's just landed a spot on the Harpers & Queen best-dressed list.

The couple would be well advised to continue looking for the cloud's silver lining, though, as icy wind and rain are predicted for their wedding day.

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The Prince of Wales was all smiles as he stepped out for an official event this week, and he seems to be putting a good face on the mishaps that have plagued his pending nuptials

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Camilla, as seen on the cover of this week's HELLO! magazine, was looking relaxed and happy as she left a salon where she'd had her hair lightened in the run up to her wedding

- Hello

Camilla's Make Over

Her teeth are more pearly, her face softer and her wardrobe has changed from country tweeds to couture. Camilla Parker Bowles has undergone an amazing transformation over the past few years.

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1991

In the 1990s, while she stayed on the sidelines of Prince Charles’s life, she was more often snapped in down-at-heel loafers and old, patterned socks. A world accustomed to dazzling Diana felt Camilla could never fill her Jimmy Choo shoes.

In 1992, soon after her affair with Charles was revealed, one newspaper sniped: “She always looks as if she had just stepped off a horse. She never wears make-up and doesn’t care too much about clothes.”

Her friend, novelist Jilly Cooper, put this down to a lack of vanity. “When you stay with her, she wanders around at breakfast in her dressing gown, wearing no make-up and her nail varnish is chipped.”

All that was soon to change, starting around 2001 when it became clear that her position in the Prince’s life was “non-negotiable”. Accompanied by Charles’s friend Antonia, the Marquess of Douro, Camilla attended Chloe’s spring show in Paris. Suddenly a world of wonderful fashion opened up and she began buying big-occasion clothes from designers like Anthony Price.

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Where once for an important party she’d have chosen a strapless ballgown – a fashion disaster for women of a certain age – she began covering her shoulders and arms with black lace cocktail dresses with lowish necklines which showed off her cleavage. By day, she chose soft pastel suits which flattered her fair colouring.

One fashion expert says: “She got a lot of help because fashion houses like Valentino, Versace, Armani and Chanel began offering Camilla the best items from each new collection. If she decides to wear some, Prince Charles always pays because he doesn’t want his future wife accepting freebies.”

Over the past few months, Camilla has also been steadily losing weight – over a stone, by some estimates. But an updated wardrobe and a slimmer figure are only part of the new-look Camilla. For years she has been a client of top London colourist Jo Hansford, who keeps her blonde hair carefully streaked with highlights. Jo, who also counts Elizabeth Hurley and Angelina Jolie among her clients, says: “Camilla’s hair is very fine and can be difficult to manage, which is why I use bleach to give the hair body and oomph.”

As she made final preparations in the week before her wedding, Camilla was seen emerging from Jo’s Mayfair salon with a scarf hiding her hair. Jo told HELLO!: “I put a mix of creamy and honey blonde highlights through her hair using L’Oréal colour.

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Hair Stylist - Jo Hansford

“I always advise brides to keep to their natural look, not to veer too far from a style with which they feel comfortable. That way they can concentrate on enjoying their day and not worrying about their hair.

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“Camilla’s a very natural-looking lady with great features and a gentle way about her. There’d be no point in trying to make her look totally different. She’s clearly comfortable with herself and the way she looks, which is great.”

Camilla is also likely to stick to her usual nail varnish on the day. She wears a neutral colour, Sugar Daddy by Essie, which will be applied by manicurist Angie from the Jo Hansford salon.

For her trademark flicked hairstyle, Camilla relies on Hugh Green of Green and Stephens in Ebury Street, who will do her hair on Friday.

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Hair Dresser - Hugh Green

“Mrs Parker Bowles knows very well what suits her best,” Hugh told HELLO!. “She has lovely hair to work with, but the most important aspect for me is the bride is happy and comfortable with the way she looks on her big day. I always feel it’s best to keep it simple, but in doing so it must be simple and stunning at the same time. Although you want to look like yourself it must be special – that’s what people expect.”

Hugh has made a point of attending Camilla’s bridal fittings. “The balance of the hat/headdress/ tiara with the dress is vital, which is why I ensure the hair is planned well before the day and with at least one run-through.”

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Make-up artist Julia Biddlecombe

Camilla’s face now looks softer thanks to her make-up artist Julia Biddlecombe, who has worked with her over the past 18 months. “Camilla likes a natural, fresh make-up, so I’ve used it to highlight her best features, such as her skin and eyes,” says Julia, who has also worked with Lady Helen Taylor and Jade Jagger. “I prefer makeup bases to contain light-reflecting particles or illuminisers as they are the most flattering for fine lines and give an all-day natural glow. I use a cream-based blusher for a softer finish.”

Camilla’s smile also appears brighter, thanks, it would appear, to discreet dental work. “Camilla has had her teeth capped and whitened,” a fashion designer told HELLO!. “It’s noticeable she now smiles a lot more.”

This gradual makeover has been so subtle that at first the public did not notice. It took the eagle eye of Anna Wintour, editor of American Vogue, to notice the difference. After one encounter with her, Anna gushed: “I couldn’t take my eyes off Camilla. She looked marvellous and I thought what a difference being in love makes to a woman’s appearance.” She added that Camilla had as much glamour as Madonna – “that something that makes your jaw drop, that makes you gasp”.

But a few fashion experts hope Camilla does not change too much. French designer Christian Lacroix warned: “You mustn’t want Camilla Parker Bowles to be fashionable.” Instead, she should emphasise “her famous sense of humour”. Top American fashion designer Anna Sui added: “I wouldn’t change a thing about her. I love women like Camilla.”

It’s obvious Prince Charles couldn’t agree more.

- Hello

They didn't mention all the plastic surgery she's had

ROFLMAO I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps its too "Discreet"

D

Well the wedding was today but not to many people seemed that intrested, in fact I think it was foreigners that were more intrested than the British.
it would appear that more people watched the Grand national than the wedding, I can see why I mean those horses are a lot more attractive than Camilla.

So..he finally married the Dutchess of Cornball huh?

How would you guys like to wake up to that every morning?

Everyone at the weding was specially asked to come by invitation, including the people outside and i like the fact that the royal family were taken away from the blessing in coaches, you would think they would all go in limos or really posh cars, i liked the ceromony though.

Just being honest.

I will get an e - mail to ya in a couple of days promise.

i think there was only one protester, but over all the day went well, the weather was nice as well, im sure everyone is releived its all over now.

This wedding is the biggest farce of the century!!~~

Prince Charlie has been committing Adultery with her for 30 years.

You English people think this is an oK deal?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38826000/jpg/_38826519_rally_getty300.jpg Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets of London to voice their opposition to military action against Iraq. Police said it was the UK's biggest ever demonstration with at least 750,000 taking part, although organisers put the figure closer to two million. There were also anti-war gatherings in Glasgow and Belfast - all part of a worldwide weekend of protest with hundreds of rallies and marches in up to 60 countries. (BBC News 2/16/03)

Bush Arrives in Britain Amid Anti-War Anger < -- (Click Here)So there, we Americans are arrogant and don't hold all the pompess, royalties and snots. You don't like who we elected and we don't like who you can't elect as your king and queen. Too bad. It's life. Accept and make the best of it. Time to move on.

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A British supporter of the royal family displays a 'God save the queen' placard outside the Guildhall where the wedding of Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla was been celebrated in Windsor.( AFP/Eric Feferberg)

There is something wrong about the press coverage of their future king and queen to ridicule their best day. It reminds me of the British 51% of the idiots who can't let go their feelings for someone who has gone almost 10 years.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050409/lthumb.lon36704091718.britain_royal_wedding_lon367.jpg http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050409/lthumb.sge.fkt50.090405154016.photo00.photo.default-384x376.jpg This is her best looking day.

Britain's Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles, the true love of his life, in a private civil ceremony that inevitably paled against his storybook wedding to Deceased Princess (AFP/PA/Pool/Tim Ockenden) Britain's Prince Charles with his new wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, following a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, Saturday, April 9, 2005, after their earlier civil service wedding at the Guildhall in Windsor . (AP Photo / Stefan Rousseau, Pool)

Of course Camilla is NOT as good looking (to say the least) but she tries to make the best of what God gave her. Both sides of the family come to accept their marriage. Why do the subjects of that country care so much if their future queen must meet pagentry standards? More power to those ugly people over there.

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Laura Parker Bowles (L), her grandfather Bruce Shand (L) and Tom Parker Bowles (R) watch as Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, formerly Camilla Parker Bowles, leave the guildhall where their Royal wedding was celebrated in Windsor .(AFP/Eric Feferberg)

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The Prince of Wales and his new bride the Duchess of Cornwall with Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during the Service of Prayer and Dedication in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England Saturday April 9, 2005. ( AP Photo/ Chris Ison, WPA Pool ) Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips talks to her cousins Prince William (R) and Prince Harry (L) outside the Guildhall in Windsor following the civil wedding of their father Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles April 9, 2005. Prince Charles finally married the love of his life on Saturday, in a simple town hall ceremony contrasting sharply with his spectacular cathedral wedding to the ill-fated former Princess . REUTERS/Peter Tarry/WPA/POOL

Set aside the old memories of the fairy tale that didn't come true and time to begin life and live anew. I hope Charles and Camilla live their life in bliss. Why do I care? I don't. What bothers me is all the yahoos out there as if it's sacriligious to do something with their lives. Who's fooling who? She's NOT coming back. Time to bury that hachet for those people still making a mockery of other people.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050409/i/r3264956730.jpg Who are we Americans to criticize the Duchess of Cornwall's looks with the looks like American celebrity Joan Rivers holding onto her hat outside St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, southern England, after the Service of Prayer and Dedication following the marriage ceremony?

I thought you like her pumps.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050409/lthumb.sge.fmn14.090405230304.photo01.photo.default-259x384.jpg Come on Mystic, it matches Laura Parker Bowles' golden slippers.

Too much in breeding will result in this Kenny.

D

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050410/capt.sge.fmu02.100405024703.photo02.photo.default-384x257.jpg Britain's Prince Charles and his bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greet wellwishers following their marriage blessing at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.(AFP/Alastair Grant)
Isn't the American melting pot great? Our country of commoners with the most cross-breeds produced the most creativity whether in commerce, arts, music, television, filming, technology, sports..... and the list not ending.

Delta, you mean it's the same set of royalty chromosome?

Geraldo Rivera just had talked about the same monarchy family with the Prince Monaco Curse where they ruled 30 generations and inter-married among own royalties to now seem to have lots of problems.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050406/lthumb.lon80604060721.monaco_rainier_lon806.jpg I thought the Grimaldi family broke that tradition when Prince Rainier married American actress Grace Kelly of Phila, not too far from NJ. An April 20, 1956 photo from files of Prince Rainier III of Monaco after his marriage to Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, right, in Monte Carlo. Prince Rainier of Monaco, Europe's longest-serving monarch has died aged 81, Wednesday April 6, 2005. Monaco's royal palace made the announcement Wednesday morning. The Prince has been in intensive care since March 22 with heart, kidney and breathing problems. (AP Photo/PA, fls)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050401/lthumb.nypr50204012133.prince_princess_monaco_family_nypr502.jpg Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Princess Grace, holding Princess Stephanie, pose with their children on the palace steps in Monaco, France in April 1966. At left, foreground is Prince Albert, the second oldest, and at center is Princess Caroline. The Prince and Princess of Monaco will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary on April 18. (AP Photo)

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20050409/capt.sge.fmg97.090405204409.photo01.photo.default-276x363.jpg Then daughter Princess Caroline of Monaco has been marrying several losers and Prince Albert has been rumored to be gay at age 47 now and won't produce an heir to the throne.

I read the biographical story of the combination and her life was one round of FUNCTIONS. She also spit out those kids pretty reguarly. Won't go into the couples relationship here as its off topic but suffice to say Grace wanted so very much to come to the States and make more movies. Ranier as she call.ed him said NO NO NO I WILL STAMP MY FOOT ON YOUR DREAMS FOREVER....

She also had two girls who were spoiled rotten brats and now you say Albert is Gay. omg iT IS a true Fairy Tale LOL
D

Would someone please tell. me wtf Camilla is wearing on top of her head?

It looks like a bird landed and started to build its nest and left before it was done old chap.
d