Inside Queen Camilla’s first marriage to husband Andrew Parker Bowles
The pair were married for over two decadesBefore Queen Camilla married King Charles, she was in a relationship with her first husband and father of her kids, Andrew Parker Bowles.
The former couple spent a huge 22 years married after tying the knot back in 1973. But it wasn’t meant to be. However, just because their romantic relationship ended, doesn’t mean their friendship did. Over the years they have seemingly remained extremely close.
But just what did their relationship look like? And why did it end? Here is a look back into Queen Camilla’s relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles.
How Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles met
It’s believed that Camilla and Andrew actually met through his younger brother, Simon. Simon worked on Camilla’s father’s wine firm and had plenty of opportunity to introduce the pair.
Then in the late 1960s that is exactly what he did. And from that moment, the pair embarked on an on-off relationship for years.
During their ‘off’ periods, it is highly reported that Andrew also dated Princess Anne. However, it’s said the romance was brief and the pair remained close.
So much so that Andrew is a godfather to Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall.
Queen Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles’ engagement and marriage
The pair got engaged in 1973. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith claimed that an announcement was sent out by the pair’s parents without their knowledge. According to Sally, the move forced Andrew to propose.
Then on July 4 of the same year the couple said their vows and were officially married. Both Princess Anne and Princess Margaret were among the 800 guests. Their Catholic ceremony took place in the Guards Chapel in Wellington Barracks, with a reception later held at St James’ Palace.
Camilla opted to wear pie-crust collar white gown with long sleeves and a ruffled hem. She also sported a glistening tiara from her family’s jewellery collection – which her daughter, Laura, would go on to wear at her own wedding.
Where Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles lived
The married couple began their lives in Bolehyde Manor, a reported £3.75million property which was put for sale in 2020.
They also spent a while living in Middlewick House in Wiltshire, up until their divorce.
Did Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles have children?
Camilla and Andrew had two children together; a son and a daughter.
Their oldest is Tom Parker Bowles, born on December 18, 1974. And interestingly, his step-father King Charles is also his godfather!
Over the years, Tom has carved a well established career for himself as a food critic and will quite commonly open up about his childhood with Queen Camilla. Just last week he recalled meals she used to make him as a youngster.
Then four years after Tom, Camilla and Andrew welcomed a baby girl, Laura. Laura was born on New Year’s Day in 1978 and is their youngest child.
Laura attended a boarding school growing up, before going on to launch a career in the arts. In 2005 she co-founded Eleven, a fine art gallery in Belgravia. One year later she married Harry Lopes, a former Calvin Klein model. Both of her step-brothers, Prince William and Prince Harry, were at the wedding.
Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles split
It’s believed that in 1986, Camilla and Charles restarted their affair – despite both being married and raising families with other children.
Then, in the early 1990s, a scandal – which was referred to as ‘Camillagate’ – arose. A late night phone call between Charles and Camilla in 1989 was released to the public. So, from then, everyone became more aware of the alleged affair.
Camilla and Andrew stayed married. However, in 1995, they finalised their divorce. Reports claimed they had lived apart for at least two years. A statement at the time stated they had “little of common interest between” them anymore.
Despite that being the official reasoning, it’s believed Camilla’s affair with Charles put a strain on their relationship and Andrew reportedly felt “humiliated”.
Camilla and Andrew’s relationship today
Despite the messy situation surrounding their split, Queen Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles appear to be on great terms.
The pair both moved on quite quickly after their divorce, and it seems to have made their friendship stronger.
Over the years, Andrew has attended several royal events alongside Camilla, including King Charles’ coronation!
Read more: Queen Elizabeth II’s simple reason why she did not attend King Charles and Camilla’s wedding
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