10 Things You Didn’t Know About Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall
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Her Title Was a Gift – Known as Camilla Parker-Bowles her entire life, she was given the title Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall as a wedding gift from the Queen.
She Was Previously Married – Somewhat controversially, Camilla was a divorcee’ when she married Charles, the Prince of Wales. Previously she had been married to Andrew Parker-Bowles from 1973 – 1995.
She’s Known the Prince of Wales for Decades – Camilla and Prince Charles dated before Charles’ ever met Princess Diana, having met in 1970.
She’s Only Recently Known the Queen – Despite her close relationship with Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son, she only met The Queen in the year 2000.
Her Ancestors Have Links With the Royal Family – Camilla’s great-grandmother was a mistress to King Edward VII, the great-great-grandfather of Prince Charles.
Charles and Camilla Are Related – Both the Prince of Wales and Camilla have shared ancestors dating back to the 17th century. Strangely, they are also both related to the late Princess Diana through shared ancestry dating back to King Charles II.
She is Technically The Princess of Wales – Because Princess Diana is closely associated with ‘The Princess of Wales’ Camilla has chosen not to use that title. However, her full title is as follows: Her Royal Highness The Princess Charles Philip Arthur George, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Rothesay, Countess of Chester, Countess of Carrick, Baroness of Renfrew, Lady of the Isles, Princess of Scotland, Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Camilla is a Grandmother – She has two children from her first marriage and five grandchildren. One of her grandchildren, Eliza Lopes, was a bridesmaid at William and Kate’s wedding.
She Has A Historical Engagement Ring – Although not as famous as the one Kate Middleton wears, Camilla’s ring is a platinum-set, emerald-cut diamond ring that previously belonged to the Queen Mother.
She’s Important – When accompanied by her husband, Camilla is the second-highest ranking woman in England after the Queen! However, if Charles is not present, she drops in rank falling behind the Queen, Anne the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra (the youngest granddaughter of King George V, Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin).