Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Camilla Parker Bowles

Netflix's The Crown may have given Queen Camilla (also known as Camilla Parker Bowles) a bad rap, but there's more to the queen consort than her highly publicized love life.

The former Duchess of Cornwall, who was crowned queen in May 2023, carries an air of confidence and has turned several heads with her memorable ensembles. She's an avid reader, she loves to watch The Archers and she's a huge fan of ballet. Better yet, the queen is known for her philanthropic efforts and serves as patron or president of over 90 organizations. Per the official royal website, she's most passionate about charities that focus on health, literacy, animal welfare, the arts and domestic abuse victims.

In 2020, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, she said in a statement, "Each one of us has a part to play, to do everything in our power to raise awareness, to ‘reach in’ to others, and to support, and be inspired by, those very brave survivors."

When Her Royal Highness isn't busy advocating for important causes, you may catch her carrying out royal duties with her husband or spending quality time with her terriers. Keep reading for the latest on the queen.

Fast Facts

• Official Royal Title: Camilla, Queen of the United Kingdom
• Hometown: London, England
• Birthday: July 17, 1947
• Spouses: Andrew Parker Bowles (1973-1995), King Charles III (2005-present)
• Children: Laura Lopes, Tom Parker-Bowles
• Star Sign: Cancer

Early Life

Born to British Army officer Bruce Shand and Rosalind Cubitt, the former duchess was originally known as Camilla Rosemary Shand (or shall we say Milla). She was raised in East Sussex and South Kensington with two siblings: her younger sister, Annabel Elliot, and her late brother, Mark Shand. According to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, Camilla's family was pretty well-off.

Speaking of her background and childhood, he wrote, "Camilla is often described as having had an 'Enid Blyton sort of childhood.' In fact, it was much grander than that. Camilla, as a little girl, may have had some personality traits of George, the tomboy girl among the Famous Five, but Enid Blyton's children were essentially middle-class children and the Shands, without question, belonged to the upper class. The Shands had position and they had help—help in the house, help in the garden, help with children. They were gentry."

Introduction to the Royal Family

In 2005, and Bowles went from wealthy aristocrat to duchess, thanks to her marriage to the future king Prince Charles—but it turns out the two had history long before that.

It's commonly believed that they first crossed paths at a polo match in 1970, but according to Brandreth, they actually met through a common friend named Lucía Santa Cruz. They developed a close friendship and started dating until Charles went off to sea to join the Royal Navy.

Camilla wound up marrying her first husband, Andrew Bowles, in 1973 (more on this later), and King Charles III married Princess Diana in 1981, but the pair eventually rekindled their romance. In fact, they began an affair that made several headlines during the '90s—especially after one of their private calls was leaked. Shortly after, Camilla divorced her husband in 1995, and Charles parted ways with Diana in 1996. (In the following year, Princess Diana tragically died in a car crash.)

The couple made their first public appearance together in January 1999, while attending a birthday party for Camilla's sister, Annabel, in London. Then, after a few years of dating and several joint appearances, they moved into Clarence House together in 2003.

Camilla and Charles officially tied the knot in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on April 9, 2005. Though it didn't have the usual pomp and circumstance, there were several notable guests, including the king's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. (Queen Elizabeth was absent, reportedly because as head of the Church of England, she didn't think it was appropriate to attend the wedding of two people who were divorced.)

After 17 years of marriage, Camilla's official title changed from Duchess of Cornwall to Queen Consort. Then, in May 2023, Buckingham Palace changed her official title from "Queen Consort" to "Queen." 

While chatting with Vogue about her relationship with the monarch, she said, "It’s not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet. Sometimes it’s like ships passing in the night, but we always sit down together and have a cup of tea and discuss the day. We have a moment. It’s lovely to catch up when we have a bit of time."

Royal Endeavors

Like her husband, Queen Camilla is the patron of countless charities and organizations, including the British Equestrian Federation, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and The Girls' Friendly Society. She's also an avid reader who continues to advocate for literacy, whether it be by visiting schools, donating books or spearheading the Royal Reading Room initiative.

Regarding the success and impact of the Royal Reading Room, she said, "Through literature, we experience life through another’s eyes, we are comforted, strengthened. We laugh, we cry, we travel to different lands, and we escape the real world. In short, books, and those who create them, make life better, much better. We see firsthand the impact stories have on how we understand and articulate the world both as we find it, and as we dream it to be."

Additionally, the queen has raised awareness and supported victims of rape and sexual abuse. Most recently, her efforts were documented in the ITV film Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors in 2024.

Personal Life

During the 1960s, Camilla met and started dating former British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles. After years of an on-and-off relationship, they got married in a Roman Catholic ceremony in July 1973. Together, they welcomed two children: Thomas (born December 1974) and Laura (born January 1978).

Family & Children

Camilla's firstborn, Thomas, is a successful food writer who authored a few cookbooks and even made guest appearances on cooking shows. He was previously married to fashion editor Sara Buys, and together they share two children: Lola and Freddy. Meanwhile, Camilla's daughter, Laura, is an art curator and co-founder of Eleven Fine Art. She is married to Harry Lopes, and they share three children together, including a daughter named Eliza and twin boys Gus and Louis.

Camilla's five grandkids are rarely ever in the public eye, but the queen has been outspoken about how much she enjoys her role.

Personal Style

You'll rarely catch Her Majesty stepping out in bright, vibrant hues like her late mother-in-law, but she sure knows how to make a statement. The royal typically opts for neutral colors, shades of blue and flattering floral prints, accessorizing her outfits with earrings, wide-brimmed hats and stunning brooches. Anna Valentine and Fiona Clare are among her favorite designers, and when it comes to royal engagements, three-quarter length dresses are her go-to ensemble.

As for her most memorable fashion looks, we could never forget about her striking green lace gown at the State Banquet in Italy (designed by Fiona Clare) or her spring-themed floral gown at Canada House in London. Another personal favorite? Her famous green peacock dress, which she has worn on a number of royal occasions.