The Unforgettable 2005 Wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla's union on April 9, 2005, marked a poignant chapter in their decades-long journey, overcoming media scrutiny and public challenges stemming from their previous relationships. The couple opted for an intimate civil ceremony near Windsor Castle, with just 28 guests, including Prince William, Prince Harry, Tom Parker Bowles, and Laura Lopes.

 

Notably absent from the ceremony were Charles' parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who, as head of the Church of England, decided it was inappropriate to attend the wedding of divorced individuals. Despite this, the Queen graciously hosted a reception for the newlyweds after the ceremony.

 

 King Charles and Queen Camilla's Enduring Journey

 

In the years following their wedding, Charles and Camilla celebrated numerous milestones, from their children's marriages to the joyous arrival of grandchildren. The pinnacle of their journey came in 2023 with their coronation ceremony.

 

Camilla expressed her disbelief at the swift passage of time in a message to a royal fan on their 18th anniversary in April 2023. Their 2005 wedding will also be immortalized in the sixth and final season of Netflix's The Crown, set to premiere on December 14.

 

 The Wedding Day Details

 

Charles and Camilla's engagement in February 2005 set the stage for their April wedding. The civil ceremony took place at Windsor Guildhall, just outside Windsor Castle, reflecting the couple's decision to opt for a civil ceremony due to their previous divorces.

 

After the civil ceremony, the couple proceeded to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for a religious blessing officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams.

 

Camilla, bucking tradition, chose not to wear a tiara on her special day. Instead, she sported two distinctive bridal looks, both featuring hats designed by Phillip Treacy. Her wedding ensemble included a wide-brimmed, feather-accented hat with a white silk chiffon dress and coat. Later, she changed into a floor-length blue-and-gold embroidered coat, paired with a blue chiffon gown and a gold feather headpiece.

 

 Capturing the Moments

 

Renowned royal wedding photographer Hugo Burnand was chosen to capture the essence of Charles and Camilla's special day. Burnand, a familiar face behind the lens at important royal events, also photographed Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011 and King Charles' coronation in 2023.

 

 Queen Elizabeth's Absence and Support

 

A notable absence at the wedding was Queen Elizabeth, who, along with Prince Philip, refrained from attending the civil ceremony due to religious considerations. However, their support for Charles and Camilla was evident as they hosted a reception at Windsor Castle and attended the religious blessing at St. George's Chapel.

 

Before her passing, Queen Elizabeth publicly expressed her full support for Charles and Camilla, declaring her wish for Camilla to be known as Camilla, Queen Consort when Charles ascends the throne. This endorsement was a significant moment, occurring during the celebration of the Queen's 70th ascension anniversary in February 2022.

 

 Family Witnesses

 

The intimate gathering at Windsor Guildhall included witnesses, with Prince William and Tom Parker Bowles standing for Charles and Camilla. Charles' siblings, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne, were also present to witness the union.

 

Reflecting on his mother's journey, Tom shared in a podcast appearance in April 2023 that her focus was never on becoming queen. Instead, she married the person she loved, emphasizing the authentic nature of her choices.