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17 Apr 2025, Thu

Charles III and Camilla celebrate 20 years of marriage during historic visit to Italy

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The couple, who tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 2005, seized the occasion to reinforce their image as central figures of the British monarchy. This special date not only reflects the longevity of their relationship but also the role they have played together since Charles ascended the throne in 2022. The trip to Italy, laden with diplomatic symbolism, underscores the personal and official union they have solidified over the past two decades. Despite an unexpected change in the itinerary, with the postponement of an audience at the Vatican, the couple’s schedule remains packed with engagements that highlight their dedication to the Crown.

The story of Charles and Camilla began long before their marriage, in 1971, when they met at a polo match. At the time, both were young and single, but they followed separate paths before reconnecting years later. Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Camilla, still Camilla Shand, developed a bond that withstood time and circumstances. After decades marked by previous marriages, public scrutiny, and personal challenges, their official union in Windsor marked a turning point. The ceremony, modest compared to other royal events, was followed by a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel, a moment that symbolized the gradual acceptance of their relationship by the royal family and society.

Their relationship wasn’t always viewed favorably. In the 1990s, the connection between Charles and Camilla gained notoriety during the tumultuous marriage of the then-prince to Diana, Princess of Wales. After Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, public perception of Camilla began to shift slowly. Diana’s tragic death in 1997 brought further attention to the couple’s past, but over time, Camilla transitioned from a controversial figure to a respected queen consort. Today, at 76, she is recognized for her work on causes such as literacy and support for victims of domestic violence.

Path to the Throne
When Charles ascended the throne on November 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla stood by his side as queen consort. Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years, left an unparalleled legacy, and her passing marked the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy. Charles, aged 73 at the time, became the oldest monarch to take the throne in British history. The transition brought expectations of modernization, and Camilla has played an essential role in this process. Her experience alongside Charles, both in public duties and private moments, has strengthened the image of stability the Crown seeks to project.

Charles’s rise to the throne was not only an institutional milestone but also a personal one. For decades, he had been prepared for this role, and Camilla, who initially had no ambitions of occupying such a prominent position, adapted with determination. Her title of queen consort, officially announced by Elizabeth II in February 2022, put an end to years of speculation about what she would be called. Since then, Camilla has actively participated in official events, including international visits and ceremonies in the UK, cementing her presence as an indispensable partner to the king.

A Union Marked by Challenges
Before their marriage, Charles and Camilla followed distinct paths. Camilla was married to Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she had two children, Tom and Laura, from 1964 to 1995. Their marriage ended in divorce but remained amicable, with Andrew even attending Camilla’s wedding to Charles. Charles’s marriage to Diana, celebrated in 1981, was a global event watched by millions. However, the relationship faced public difficulties, culminating in separation and divorce. Diana’s death in a car accident in Paris left a void in the monarchy, and Camilla, often linked to the crisis, had to carve out her place with patience and discretion.

Gradually, the British public began to accept Charles and Camilla’s relationship. After their respective divorces, they reappeared together at social events, such as a 1999 party celebrating a mutual friend’s 50th birthday. This was one of the first steps toward normalizing their partnership in the public eye. Their engagement, announced in February 2005, came with a ring that had belonged to the Queen Mother, a gesture reinforcing Camilla’s ties to royal tradition. The wedding, held on April 9 of that year, was a relatively simple affair but deeply significant for the monarchy’s history.

Key Moments Before the Marriage:

  • First meeting in 1971, during a polo match.
  • Charles and Diana’s separation in 1992.
  • Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles’s divorce in 1995.
  • Engagement announcement in 2005, after years of speculation.

Visit to Italy and the 20th Anniversary
The choice of Italy as the destination to celebrate their 20th anniversary was no coincidence. The state visit, which began in April 2025, aimed to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean nation while promoting cultural and economic initiatives. Charles and Camilla were received with honors in Rome, where they attended meetings with local authorities and events highlighting the partnership between the two countries. The itinerary included a stop at the Vatican, but the audience with Pope Francis was postponed due to concerns about the pontiff’s health, altering the original plans.

Despite the change, the couple remained focused on their duties. Charles, known for his interest in sustainability, used the trip to discuss environmental issues with Italian leaders. Camilla, meanwhile, engaged in commitments related to education and social welfare, areas she has supported for years. The anniversary celebration was understated but symbolic, featuring an official dinner that brought together diplomats and representatives from both nations. The event reinforced the message of continuity and commitment that Charles and Camilla embody as king and queen.

Camilla’s Role as Queen Consort
Since taking on the title of queen consort, Camilla has stood out for her practical and approachable style. Unlike previous queens, she was not born into a high-ranking aristocratic family but built her reputation through hard work and dedication. At 77 in 2025, she maintains a busy schedule, participating in over 100 public engagements annually. Her causes include promoting literacy, with initiatives encouraging children and adults to explore literature, and supporting organizations that aid survivors of abuse.

Camilla’s impact on the monarchy extends beyond her individual efforts. Her partnership with Charles has been a pillar of support during a reign facing challenges such as a reduced number of active royals and pressures for greater transparency. Together, they strive to balance tradition and modernity, a task requiring sensitivity and adaptability. Her presence alongside the king during the Italy visit is a clear example of this joint effort, presenting the world with a united and resilient monarchy.

A Legacy in the Making
With two decades of marriage, Charles and Camilla continue to shape their legacy. Charles’s reign, now over two years long by 2025, is marked by initiatives focused on the environment and public health—issues he has championed since his youth. Camilla, meanwhile, brings a more human perspective to the Crown, with her focus on social and cultural matters. Together, they tackle the challenge of keeping the monarchy relevant in an era of rapid global change.

The longevity of their union is a testament to resilience. From their first meeting in 1971 to the 2025 celebration, the couple has overcome public and private adversities to reach the pinnacle of the royal hierarchy. The visit to Italy, even with adjustments, reflects this journey: a steadfast commitment to duty paired with a personal celebration that resonates internationally. As they move forward, Charles and Camilla continue to write their story, now as king and queen of a nation watching their every move.

Milestones of Charles III’s Reign by 2025:

  • Ascension to the throne in November 2022.
  • First overseas state visit in 2023, to France.
  • Launch of environmental projects in 2024.
  • 20th wedding anniversary celebration in Italy in 2025.



The couple, who tied the knot in a civil ceremony in 2005, seized the occasion to reinforce their image as central figures of the British monarchy. This special date not only reflects the longevity of their relationship but also the role they have played together since Charles ascended the throne in 2022. The trip to Italy, laden with diplomatic symbolism, underscores the personal and official union they have solidified over the past two decades. Despite an unexpected change in the itinerary, with the postponement of an audience at the Vatican, the couple’s schedule remains packed with engagements that highlight their dedication to the Crown.

The story of Charles and Camilla began long before their marriage, in 1971, when they met at a polo match. At the time, both were young and single, but they followed separate paths before reconnecting years later. Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Camilla, still Camilla Shand, developed a bond that withstood time and circumstances. After decades marked by previous marriages, public scrutiny, and personal challenges, their official union in Windsor marked a turning point. The ceremony, modest compared to other royal events, was followed by a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel, a moment that symbolized the gradual acceptance of their relationship by the royal family and society.

Their relationship wasn’t always viewed favorably. In the 1990s, the connection between Charles and Camilla gained notoriety during the tumultuous marriage of the then-prince to Diana, Princess of Wales. After Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, public perception of Camilla began to shift slowly. Diana’s tragic death in 1997 brought further attention to the couple’s past, but over time, Camilla transitioned from a controversial figure to a respected queen consort. Today, at 76, she is recognized for her work on causes such as literacy and support for victims of domestic violence.

Path to the Throne
When Charles ascended the throne on November 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla stood by his side as queen consort. Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years, left an unparalleled legacy, and her passing marked the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy. Charles, aged 73 at the time, became the oldest monarch to take the throne in British history. The transition brought expectations of modernization, and Camilla has played an essential role in this process. Her experience alongside Charles, both in public duties and private moments, has strengthened the image of stability the Crown seeks to project.

Charles’s rise to the throne was not only an institutional milestone but also a personal one. For decades, he had been prepared for this role, and Camilla, who initially had no ambitions of occupying such a prominent position, adapted with determination. Her title of queen consort, officially announced by Elizabeth II in February 2022, put an end to years of speculation about what she would be called. Since then, Camilla has actively participated in official events, including international visits and ceremonies in the UK, cementing her presence as an indispensable partner to the king.

A Union Marked by Challenges
Before their marriage, Charles and Camilla followed distinct paths. Camilla was married to Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she had two children, Tom and Laura, from 1964 to 1995. Their marriage ended in divorce but remained amicable, with Andrew even attending Camilla’s wedding to Charles. Charles’s marriage to Diana, celebrated in 1981, was a global event watched by millions. However, the relationship faced public difficulties, culminating in separation and divorce. Diana’s death in a car accident in Paris left a void in the monarchy, and Camilla, often linked to the crisis, had to carve out her place with patience and discretion.

Gradually, the British public began to accept Charles and Camilla’s relationship. After their respective divorces, they reappeared together at social events, such as a 1999 party celebrating a mutual friend’s 50th birthday. This was one of the first steps toward normalizing their partnership in the public eye. Their engagement, announced in February 2005, came with a ring that had belonged to the Queen Mother, a gesture reinforcing Camilla’s ties to royal tradition. The wedding, held on April 9 of that year, was a relatively simple affair but deeply significant for the monarchy’s history.

Key Moments Before the Marriage:

  • First meeting in 1971, during a polo match.
  • Charles and Diana’s separation in 1992.
  • Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles’s divorce in 1995.
  • Engagement announcement in 2005, after years of speculation.

Visit to Italy and the 20th Anniversary
The choice of Italy as the destination to celebrate their 20th anniversary was no coincidence. The state visit, which began in April 2025, aimed to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean nation while promoting cultural and economic initiatives. Charles and Camilla were received with honors in Rome, where they attended meetings with local authorities and events highlighting the partnership between the two countries. The itinerary included a stop at the Vatican, but the audience with Pope Francis was postponed due to concerns about the pontiff’s health, altering the original plans.

Despite the change, the couple remained focused on their duties. Charles, known for his interest in sustainability, used the trip to discuss environmental issues with Italian leaders. Camilla, meanwhile, engaged in commitments related to education and social welfare, areas she has supported for years. The anniversary celebration was understated but symbolic, featuring an official dinner that brought together diplomats and representatives from both nations. The event reinforced the message of continuity and commitment that Charles and Camilla embody as king and queen.

Camilla’s Role as Queen Consort
Since taking on the title of queen consort, Camilla has stood out for her practical and approachable style. Unlike previous queens, she was not born into a high-ranking aristocratic family but built her reputation through hard work and dedication. At 77 in 2025, she maintains a busy schedule, participating in over 100 public engagements annually. Her causes include promoting literacy, with initiatives encouraging children and adults to explore literature, and supporting organizations that aid survivors of abuse.

Camilla’s impact on the monarchy extends beyond her individual efforts. Her partnership with Charles has been a pillar of support during a reign facing challenges such as a reduced number of active royals and pressures for greater transparency. Together, they strive to balance tradition and modernity, a task requiring sensitivity and adaptability. Her presence alongside the king during the Italy visit is a clear example of this joint effort, presenting the world with a united and resilient monarchy.

A Legacy in the Making
With two decades of marriage, Charles and Camilla continue to shape their legacy. Charles’s reign, now over two years long by 2025, is marked by initiatives focused on the environment and public health—issues he has championed since his youth. Camilla, meanwhile, brings a more human perspective to the Crown, with her focus on social and cultural matters. Together, they tackle the challenge of keeping the monarchy relevant in an era of rapid global change.

The longevity of their union is a testament to resilience. From their first meeting in 1971 to the 2025 celebration, the couple has overcome public and private adversities to reach the pinnacle of the royal hierarchy. The visit to Italy, even with adjustments, reflects this journey: a steadfast commitment to duty paired with a personal celebration that resonates internationally. As they move forward, Charles and Camilla continue to write their story, now as king and queen of a nation watching their every move.

Milestones of Charles III’s Reign by 2025:

  • Ascension to the throne in November 2022.
  • First overseas state visit in 2023, to France.
  • Launch of environmental projects in 2024.
  • 20th wedding anniversary celebration in Italy in 2025.



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