Camilla Parker's beginnings in the British royal house were not easy. However, her time and keeping a low profile of her, always at the side of Charles of England, have led her today to be crowned queen consort of England. The one who was her lover for decades and later became the wife of the Prince of Wales assumes her new role this Saturday with the approval of the English.
"When my son Carlos becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camila the same support that you have given me. It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own and loyal service". With these few sentences, Queen Elizabeth II settled the controversy over the title of which she is the second wife of Charles of England.
Camilla of Cornwall, also Duchess of Rothesay and Countess of Chester, grew up in the English countryside but moved to Paris for a few years to study French literature. Before coming to the British royal house she worked as a secretary and decorator and she was married to Andrew Henry Parker Bowles.
As a result of the marriage with the soldier, she had two children, Thomas Henry Shaws Parker Bowles and Laura Rose Lopes-Parker Bowles. Her divorce came 18 years later and her second marriage would not come until 30 years after their relationship.
The controversial relationship between the now Carlos III and Camilla began when they met at a polo sporting event in 1970. A courtship would then begin that would be cut short by the military career of the Prince of Wales. Although they continued to be friends, their relationship became controversial with the arrival of Lady Di into the life of the current King of England. Carlos and Lady Di got married in 1981 and already on their wedding night, the British monarch made it clear that he was not going to give up on Camilla.
She then became the eternal lover of the Prince of Wales, always close to him at official and public events, sometimes even photographed with Lady Di.
The scandal became public when Carlos of England revealed in a television interview his love affair with Camilla and after Lady Di's deadly car accident, Carlos III's lover would become one of the most hated women in England.
Despite public opinion, Camilla has remained by the side of Carlos III throughout the years. She calm, silent and always discreet, she waiting for her recognition, both by the English and by the Queen of England. That moment came with her wedding on April 9, 2005 with Carlos. A match that would end the gossip and strip him of the unofficial title of her lover.
Over time, Camilla has earned the approval of public opinion as well as the respect of the British monarchy. Ever since the late Queen of England recognized her as the future queen consort of Charles III, Parker Bowles smiles relaxed for the cameras. She makes no secret of her affection for her husband and she performs her role as part of the British monarchy with poise and distinction.
