Camilla Parker Bowles

Camilla Parker Bowles is a member of the British royal family and the second wife of Charles, Prince of Wales. She was born into a family of British aristocracy, with her father, Major Bruce Shand, being a British Army officer, and her mother, Rosalind Shand, being a descendant of King Charles II of England. Camilla's upbringing was influenced by her family's connections to the Royal Family, including her father's friendship with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She was educated at Queen's Gate School in London and later attended Institut Britannique in Paris.

Early Life and Education

Camilla Parker Bowles was born on July 17, 1947, in East Sussex, England, to Major Bruce Shand and Rosalind Shand. Her early life was spent in Plumpton, East Sussex, where she developed a passion for horse riding and hunting, activities that she would later share with her husband, Charles, Prince of Wales. Camilla's education began at Dumbrells School in Sussex, followed by Queen's Gate School in London, where she was a classmate of Lady Diana Spencer. She later attended Institut Britannique in Paris, where she studied French language and French literature.

Marriage and Family

In 1973, Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles, a British Army officer, at the Guard's Chapel in Wellington Barracks, London. The couple had two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, before divorcing in 1995. During her marriage, Camilla became friends with Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she had met through mutual friends, including Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles's friend, Hugh van Cutsem. Camilla's relationship with Charles, Prince of Wales eventually led to their marriage in 2005 at the Windsor Guildhall.

Charity Work and Patronages

Camilla Parker Bowles is involved with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Osteoporosis Society, Barnardo's, and the Royal Voluntary Service. She has also supported organizations such as the NSPCC, Save the Children, and the British Red Cross. As the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla has become patron to over 100 organizations, including the University of Aberdeen, Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Royal Academy of Arts. Her charitable work has taken her to various locations, including Afghanistan, where she visited British Armed Forces personnel, and Canada, where she attended events with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.

Public Life and Controversies

Camilla Parker Bowles's public life has been subject to controversy, particularly surrounding her relationship with Charles, Prince of Wales during his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer. The media scrutiny of their relationship led to a significant backlash against Camilla, with many British people opposing her marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales. However, since her marriage, Camilla has worked to rebuild her public image, undertaking numerous engagements and visits with Charles, Prince of Wales, including a tour of Australia and a visit to the Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican City. Camilla has also become a supporter of British literature, attending events such as the Man Booker Prize and the Hay Festival.

Titles, Styles, and Honours

As the wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla Parker Bowles holds the title of Duchess of Cornwall. She is also known as the Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland and the Princess of Wales in Wales, although she does not use the latter title out of respect for the late Lady Diana Spencer. Camilla has been awarded several honors, including the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen's Service Order. She has also been appointed to the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Thistle. As a member of the British royal family, Camilla Parker Bowles supports Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales at various events, including the Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament.