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."