Inside King Charles and Camilla’s Wedding Day

King Charles II and Queen Consort, Camilla Parker Bowles have one of the most famous love stories in recent history. The pair fell in love in the 1970s when they were in their early 20s, but married other people – Charles with Princess Diana – before they finally reunited and tied the knot in 2005, 35 years after they first met.

Royal weddings always call for glamour. After all, one need only cast their mind back to royal weddings of the past to be reminded that if there’s one thing the monarchy does well, it’s extravagance. But unlike Charles’ first marriage to Princess Diana, his second wedding to Camilla was a far more low-key affair…

When was King Charles and Camilla's wedding?

King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles married on 9 April, 2005.

Where did King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles get married?

The duo had their civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall, followed by a marriage blessing at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

How old was Camilla when she married Charles?

Camilla was 57 when she married Charles.

Why didn't King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles have a big wedding?

The couple elected to have a civil marriage ceremony as opposed to the typical church service because they were both already divorced. Charles split from the late Princess Diana in 1996, and Camilla from husband Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995.

And it made history – with Charles being the first British royal to marry in a civil ceremony.

What wedding dress did Camilla Parker Bowles wear?

Camilla brought the glamour to her second big day, actually opting for two separate outfits for the celebrations.

Joining the elite list of Royal wedding dress designers, both of the queen consort’s outfits were designed by Anna Valentine and Antonia Robinson.

For her ceremony, Camilla opted for a plain cream-coloured silk bridal dress, with a matching coat. For her blessing, she jazzed it up by changing into a pale blue chiffon gown with a matching coat, complete with gold embroidery.

Unlike most royal brides, Camilla didn’t opt for a tiara. As she wasn’t walking down the aisle in a church, the Queen Consort opted for a white hat designed by Philip Treacy for the ceremony, and a feathery-gold headpiece for the blessing.

Who attended King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles' wedding?

A crowd of guests attended, including Princes William and Harry, and Princesses Anne, Beatrice and Eugenie. Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Parker Bowles also attended.

Why did the Queen not attend King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles' wedding?

Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was noticeably absent from her son’s wedding to Camilla.

As was reported in The Telegraph, the monarch’s absence was in part due to her role as the head of the Church of England – meaning she must uphold the church’s values and discourage divorce. Naturally, attending your divorced son’s wedding to the woman he once had an affair with crossed some lines. Charles’ father, Prince Philip, also chose not to attend.

However, the rest of the immediate Royal Family all showed up to the big day – including best man William, as well as Harry and Camilla’s two children, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles.

The Queen did later attend the reception, though, posing for the family portrait.

Why did the Queen wear white to Charles and Camilla's wedding?

Whether family or friend of the bride, white is a big no-no for weddings. Fear not, the Queen did not make a faux-pas. Queen Elizabeth II decided to wear white because the bride Camilla wore a pale blue dress, rather than the traditional white gown. The monarch chose her outfit accordingly after she found out what the bride was wearing, so as not to clash.

Was Kate at Charles and Camilla's wedding?

Kate Middleton, who was Prince William's girlfriend, didn't attend Charles and Camilla's wedding because Prince Harry was not allowed to invite his girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

Where did King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles go on their honeymoon?

A tropical getway wasn’t on the cards for Charles and Camilla, with the two beginning their honeymoon in Scotland. Naturally, they stayed at the Balmoral estate. With royal duties calling, their first public engagement following the wedding was an appearance at Crathie Parish Church in Aberdeenshire.

Are there photos from King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles' wedding?

Yes - there's a number of pictures from the King's big day!