Charles and Camilla’s relationship has been the subject of much speculation since they first met in the early 1970s. After decades of being together, the couple finally tied the knot in 2005. But why did they wait so long to get married?
Royal biographer, Penny Junor, explored this question in her 2005 book, The Firm. Junor suggested that the couple’s long wait to marry wasn’t for appearances sake, but rather due to family.
At the time of their relationship, Charles was still married to Princess Diana. Junor suggested that the couple were waiting for the right time to marry, as they didn’t want to cause any further distress to Diana or her children.
In addition, Charles was still heir to the throne, and marrying Camilla would have been seen as a scandalous move. Junor suggested that the couple were waiting for the right time to marry, when the public would be more accepting of their relationship.
The couple also had to consider the feelings of their families. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was reportedly opposed to the marriage. She was concerned about the potential damage to the monarchy’s reputation if Charles married Camilla.
Ultimately, the couple decided to wait until Charles was no longer heir to the throne before they married. They tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 2005, after Charles’ mother had passed away and Charles had stepped down as heir.
Charles and Camilla’s long wait to marry was a complex situation. While it was likely influenced by appearances and public opinion, the couple also had to consider the feelings of their families and the impact it would have on the monarchy.
—
