Breaking
16 Apr 2025, Wed

Charles and Camilla celebrate 20 years with romantic video from Rome

Queen and King


King Charles III and Queen Camilla chose a heartfelt way to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2025, during an official visit to Italy. A romantic video, posted on the British royal family’s official Instagram account, compiles touching moments from the couple’s two decades together, set to the tune of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor. The milestone, falling just a day before their official anniversary on April 9, 2005, was marked in Rome, where the king and queen are fulfilling a diplomatic agenda. With over 500,000 views in mere hours, the video underscores the journey of a relationship that overcame controversies to become a cornerstone of today’s monarchy.

The celebration aligns with a three-day state visit to Italy, which began on April 7 and features engagements like Charles’s speech to the Italian Parliament and a gala banquet hosted by local authorities. The video, lasting just over a minute, captures Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, in scenes ranging from formal duties to candid moments, including a recent stroll through the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome. Sharing this milestone online reflects the monarchy’s push to connect with a global audience, while the couple’s time in Italy strengthens ties between the United Kingdom and its European ally, blending personal joy with royal responsibility.

The story of Charles and Camilla stretches back to 1970, though their path to marriage was anything but smooth, shadowed by previous marriages, a public affair, and the tragedy of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Their 2005 wedding, a modest affair by royal standards, sparked debate but has since evolved into a symbol of perseverance. Now, 20 years later, the video and the Italian backdrop highlight a love story that has weathered scrutiny, with Charles, crowned in 2023, and Camilla, queen consort, showcasing a united front on the world stage.

Launch of the Celebration in Rome

The state visit to Italy set the stage for this personal milestone. On April 7, Charles and Camilla posed for official photos in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Camilla wore an elegant white dress, while Charles opted for a light blue suit, both beaming amid olive trees and fountains. The Instagram caption, signed by the couple, read: “We’re thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary in such a special place,” sparking thousands of congratulatory messages from followers.

The next day, the romantic video elevated the festivities. Unlike traditional royal celebrations with televised speeches or grand receptions, this digital tribute signals a modern shift. Featuring archival footage and new clips from Italy, the video’s nostalgic soundtrack by James Taylor ties together a narrative of enduring affection, resonating with a couple whose bond spans over five decades.

A Decades-Long Love Story

Charles and Camilla first met in 1970 at a polo match in Windsor, when he was 21 and she was 23. Their early romance fizzled when Charles joined the Royal Navy, and Camilla wed Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, later having two children, Tom and Laura. Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981, a union watched by millions that produced Princes William and Harry, but which unraveled amid his affair with Camilla, exposed in 1993 through a leaked phone call dubbed “Camillagate.”

Camilla’s divorce from Parker Bowles came in 1995, followed by Charles and Diana’s in 1996. Diana’s death in a 1997 car crash deepened public disdain for Camilla, often cast as the “other woman” in the collapse of Charles and Diana’s fairy-tale marriage. Their first public appearance as a couple in 1999, at London’s Ritz Hotel, marked a cautious step toward acceptance, setting the stage for their wedding six years later.

The Wedding That Redefined Royalty

Charles and Camilla tied the knot on April 9, 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, attended by just 28 guests, followed by a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Unlike Charles’s lavish 1981 wedding to Diana, this event was understated. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip skipped the civil portion but attended the blessing, a subtle nod of approval. Camilla wore a cream dress with gold accents by Robinson Valentine and a feathered hat by Philip Treacy, while Charles donned a traditional morning suit.

William and Harry, then 22 and 20, were present, though Harry later wrote in his 2023 memoir “Spare” that both brothers urged their father against the marriage, fearing it would stir painful memories of Diana. Despite their reservations, the union proceeded, with Camilla taking the title Duchess of Cornwall rather than Princess of Wales, a gesture of respect to Diana’s legacy.

Highlights from the Video

The anniversary video offers glimpses into the couple’s journey:

  • Footage from their 2005 wedding, with Camilla smiling beside Charles at St. George’s Chapel.
  • Charles delivering a speech to the Italian Parliament, with Camilla clapping in the background.
  • A lighthearted moment in Rome, as the couple laughs during a photo session.
  • Scenes from charity events, like their 2019 visit to a children’s hospital in London.
  • James Taylor’s classic song, adding a romantic and timeless feel.

These snippets paint a picture of a multifaceted partnership, blending duty with personal warmth.

Shifting Public Perception

Post-wedding, Camilla faced an uphill battle for acceptance. A 2005 poll showed only 20% of Britons supported her as a future queen. Yet her dedication to causes like literacy, domestic violence awareness, and animal welfare gradually shifted opinions. In 2012, she was awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Elizabeth II, and in 2022, the queen publicly endorsed Camilla as queen consort, a pivotal moment in her rehabilitation.

Their coronation on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey sealed this transformation. Camilla wore a simplified version of Queen Mary’s crown, while Charles received St. Edward’s crown, in a ceremony viewed by 20 million in the UK alone. The event marked a new chapter for a monarchy navigating change after Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.

Duties in Rome

The Italian visit balances diplomacy with celebration. On April 8, Charles addressed the Italian Parliament, focusing on climate change and economic ties, while Camilla visited a local school to promote literacy, a cause close to her heart. That evening, they attended a banquet at the Palazzo del Quirinale, hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, where Charles toasted the “enduring friendship” between the nations.

The anniversary was woven into the schedule seamlessly. The video dropped midday, accompanied by a new photo of Charles and Camilla holding hands near the Colosseum, a nod to their lasting bond amid Rome’s ancient resilience.

Key Moments in Their Marriage

Charles and Camilla’s 20 years together are dotted with milestones. In 2007, they marked two years with a trip to Spain, and in 2015, their tin anniversary featured a charity gala in London. The 2025 Rome celebration stands out for merging personal and public roles, with the video offering a rare peek into their private connection.

Camilla’s prominence has grown since Elizabeth II’s passing. Her support during Charles’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 and their joint trips, like to Australia later that year, underscore a partnership that bolsters the monarchy’s stability amid challenges like Harry and Meghan’s departure.

Fans’ Reactions

The Instagram post sparked widespread positivity. “So beautiful to see their love after all these years,” one follower wrote, while another noted: “Charles and Camilla prove time heals.” The hashtag #CharlesAndCamilla20 trended in the UK, with messages from figures like Italy’s prime minister praising the visit and the milestone. Some comments referenced Diana, revealing lingering divides, but the royal response kept the tone upbeat with additional trip photos.

Camilla’s Role as Queen

Since the coronation, Camilla has embraced her duties, visiting over 50 charities in 2024 alone. Her quiet strength contrasts with Diana’s charisma, and her steadfast support during Charles’s health scare cemented her standing. The Rome trip highlights this, with Camilla engaging in events like a women’s support center visit on April 9, alongside Charles’s Vatican meeting with Pope Francis.

Rome’s historical weight mirrors their journey. The city’s enduring monuments parallel a marriage that weathered storms to reach this milestone, with Camilla’s efforts earning her a 60% approval rating in recent UK polls.

Timeline of Their Journey

Their relationship unfolds across key dates:

  • 1970: First meeting at a Windsor polo match.
  • 1993: “Camillagate” scandal exposes their affair.
  • 1999: Public debut as a couple at the Ritz Hotel.
  • 2005: Wedding in Windsor, civil and religious ceremonies.
  • 2023: Crowned king and queen consort at Westminster Abbey.
  • 2025: 20th anniversary celebrated in Rome with a video.

This timeline traces a bond that shifted from controversy to acceptance.

Modernizing the Monarchy

The Rome celebration reflects Charles’s vision for a relevant monarchy. The @theroyalfamily Instagram, with 13 million followers, bridges tradition and today’s world, and the video blends nostalgia with fresh appeal. The Italy trip reinforces diplomacy amid global tensions, showcasing the couple’s dual role.

Camilla’s practical approach—focusing on tangible impact over glamour—complements this shift. Her rising approval signals a public ready to move beyond past dramas, even as the monarchy adapts to a new generation.

Details of the Italy Visit

The three-day visit kicked off with a warm welcome on April 7 at the Palazzo del Quirinale, where Charles gifted Mattarella a rare Shakespeare edition, and Camilla offered a book on British gardens. Charles’s April 8 parliamentary speech on sustainability earned applause, while the banquet featured dishes like saffron risotto and veal Milanese, with Charles toasting UK-Italy ties.

The Colosseum photo and Vatican visit on April 9, where Pope Francis blessed their union, added depth, blending diplomacy, culture, and faith into the anniversary narrative.

Porcelain Anniversary Symbolism

The 20-year “porcelain anniversary” signifies resilience and beauty, apt for Charles and Camilla. Rome’s ancient endurance echoes their story—fragile at times, yet unbroken. The video captures this, portraying a couple whose bond has matured into something lasting, much like the city’s timeless ruins.

Camilla’s transformation from pariah to respected queen mirrors this theme. Her Rome engagements, like supporting women’s causes, turn past criticism into purpose, earning her new admirers.

Global Echoes

Italian media lauded the visit, calling the video a “human touch” to royalty, while the BBC dubbed it “love meets diplomacy.” In the US, CNN praised it as a savvy move to soften the monarchy’s image. The Vatican stop added a spiritual layer, with Francis’s blessing amplifying the event’s reach.

The international buzz underscores how Charles and Camilla turned a personal milestone into a global story, blending romance with regal duty.

Looking Ahead

At 20 years, Charles and Camilla are cementing their reign. Charles, post-cancer treatment, plans trips like a 2025 Africa visit, while Camilla aims to expand her work with domestic violence survivors. The Rome celebration hints at a legacy of resilience and relevance, navigating modern challenges like Harry’s exit and generational shifts with a mix of tradition and innovation.



King Charles III and Queen Camilla chose a heartfelt way to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on April 8, 2025, during an official visit to Italy. A romantic video, posted on the British royal family’s official Instagram account, compiles touching moments from the couple’s two decades together, set to the tune of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor. The milestone, falling just a day before their official anniversary on April 9, 2005, was marked in Rome, where the king and queen are fulfilling a diplomatic agenda. With over 500,000 views in mere hours, the video underscores the journey of a relationship that overcame controversies to become a cornerstone of today’s monarchy.

The celebration aligns with a three-day state visit to Italy, which began on April 7 and features engagements like Charles’s speech to the Italian Parliament and a gala banquet hosted by local authorities. The video, lasting just over a minute, captures Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, in scenes ranging from formal duties to candid moments, including a recent stroll through the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky in Rome. Sharing this milestone online reflects the monarchy’s push to connect with a global audience, while the couple’s time in Italy strengthens ties between the United Kingdom and its European ally, blending personal joy with royal responsibility.

The story of Charles and Camilla stretches back to 1970, though their path to marriage was anything but smooth, shadowed by previous marriages, a public affair, and the tragedy of Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Their 2005 wedding, a modest affair by royal standards, sparked debate but has since evolved into a symbol of perseverance. Now, 20 years later, the video and the Italian backdrop highlight a love story that has weathered scrutiny, with Charles, crowned in 2023, and Camilla, queen consort, showcasing a united front on the world stage.

Launch of the Celebration in Rome

The state visit to Italy set the stage for this personal milestone. On April 7, Charles and Camilla posed for official photos in the gardens of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence in Rome. Camilla wore an elegant white dress, while Charles opted for a light blue suit, both beaming amid olive trees and fountains. The Instagram caption, signed by the couple, read: “We’re thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary in such a special place,” sparking thousands of congratulatory messages from followers.

The next day, the romantic video elevated the festivities. Unlike traditional royal celebrations with televised speeches or grand receptions, this digital tribute signals a modern shift. Featuring archival footage and new clips from Italy, the video’s nostalgic soundtrack by James Taylor ties together a narrative of enduring affection, resonating with a couple whose bond spans over five decades.

A Decades-Long Love Story

Charles and Camilla first met in 1970 at a polo match in Windsor, when he was 21 and she was 23. Their early romance fizzled when Charles joined the Royal Navy, and Camilla wed Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, later having two children, Tom and Laura. Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981, a union watched by millions that produced Princes William and Harry, but which unraveled amid his affair with Camilla, exposed in 1993 through a leaked phone call dubbed “Camillagate.”

Camilla’s divorce from Parker Bowles came in 1995, followed by Charles and Diana’s in 1996. Diana’s death in a 1997 car crash deepened public disdain for Camilla, often cast as the “other woman” in the collapse of Charles and Diana’s fairy-tale marriage. Their first public appearance as a couple in 1999, at London’s Ritz Hotel, marked a cautious step toward acceptance, setting the stage for their wedding six years later.

The Wedding That Redefined Royalty

Charles and Camilla tied the knot on April 9, 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, attended by just 28 guests, followed by a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Unlike Charles’s lavish 1981 wedding to Diana, this event was understated. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip skipped the civil portion but attended the blessing, a subtle nod of approval. Camilla wore a cream dress with gold accents by Robinson Valentine and a feathered hat by Philip Treacy, while Charles donned a traditional morning suit.

William and Harry, then 22 and 20, were present, though Harry later wrote in his 2023 memoir “Spare” that both brothers urged their father against the marriage, fearing it would stir painful memories of Diana. Despite their reservations, the union proceeded, with Camilla taking the title Duchess of Cornwall rather than Princess of Wales, a gesture of respect to Diana’s legacy.

Highlights from the Video

The anniversary video offers glimpses into the couple’s journey:

  • Footage from their 2005 wedding, with Camilla smiling beside Charles at St. George’s Chapel.
  • Charles delivering a speech to the Italian Parliament, with Camilla clapping in the background.
  • A lighthearted moment in Rome, as the couple laughs during a photo session.
  • Scenes from charity events, like their 2019 visit to a children’s hospital in London.
  • James Taylor’s classic song, adding a romantic and timeless feel.

These snippets paint a picture of a multifaceted partnership, blending duty with personal warmth.

Shifting Public Perception

Post-wedding, Camilla faced an uphill battle for acceptance. A 2005 poll showed only 20% of Britons supported her as a future queen. Yet her dedication to causes like literacy, domestic violence awareness, and animal welfare gradually shifted opinions. In 2012, she was awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Elizabeth II, and in 2022, the queen publicly endorsed Camilla as queen consort, a pivotal moment in her rehabilitation.

Their coronation on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey sealed this transformation. Camilla wore a simplified version of Queen Mary’s crown, while Charles received St. Edward’s crown, in a ceremony viewed by 20 million in the UK alone. The event marked a new chapter for a monarchy navigating change after Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.

Duties in Rome

The Italian visit balances diplomacy with celebration. On April 8, Charles addressed the Italian Parliament, focusing on climate change and economic ties, while Camilla visited a local school to promote literacy, a cause close to her heart. That evening, they attended a banquet at the Palazzo del Quirinale, hosted by President Sergio Mattarella, where Charles toasted the “enduring friendship” between the nations.

The anniversary was woven into the schedule seamlessly. The video dropped midday, accompanied by a new photo of Charles and Camilla holding hands near the Colosseum, a nod to their lasting bond amid Rome’s ancient resilience.

Key Moments in Their Marriage

Charles and Camilla’s 20 years together are dotted with milestones. In 2007, they marked two years with a trip to Spain, and in 2015, their tin anniversary featured a charity gala in London. The 2025 Rome celebration stands out for merging personal and public roles, with the video offering a rare peek into their private connection.

Camilla’s prominence has grown since Elizabeth II’s passing. Her support during Charles’s cancer diagnosis in 2024 and their joint trips, like to Australia later that year, underscore a partnership that bolsters the monarchy’s stability amid challenges like Harry and Meghan’s departure.

Fans’ Reactions

The Instagram post sparked widespread positivity. “So beautiful to see their love after all these years,” one follower wrote, while another noted: “Charles and Camilla prove time heals.” The hashtag #CharlesAndCamilla20 trended in the UK, with messages from figures like Italy’s prime minister praising the visit and the milestone. Some comments referenced Diana, revealing lingering divides, but the royal response kept the tone upbeat with additional trip photos.

Camilla’s Role as Queen

Since the coronation, Camilla has embraced her duties, visiting over 50 charities in 2024 alone. Her quiet strength contrasts with Diana’s charisma, and her steadfast support during Charles’s health scare cemented her standing. The Rome trip highlights this, with Camilla engaging in events like a women’s support center visit on April 9, alongside Charles’s Vatican meeting with Pope Francis.

Rome’s historical weight mirrors their journey. The city’s enduring monuments parallel a marriage that weathered storms to reach this milestone, with Camilla’s efforts earning her a 60% approval rating in recent UK polls.

Timeline of Their Journey

Their relationship unfolds across key dates:

  • 1970: First meeting at a Windsor polo match.
  • 1993: “Camillagate” scandal exposes their affair.
  • 1999: Public debut as a couple at the Ritz Hotel.
  • 2005: Wedding in Windsor, civil and religious ceremonies.
  • 2023: Crowned king and queen consort at Westminster Abbey.
  • 2025: 20th anniversary celebrated in Rome with a video.

This timeline traces a bond that shifted from controversy to acceptance.

Modernizing the Monarchy

The Rome celebration reflects Charles’s vision for a relevant monarchy. The @theroyalfamily Instagram, with 13 million followers, bridges tradition and today’s world, and the video blends nostalgia with fresh appeal. The Italy trip reinforces diplomacy amid global tensions, showcasing the couple’s dual role.

Camilla’s practical approach—focusing on tangible impact over glamour—complements this shift. Her rising approval signals a public ready to move beyond past dramas, even as the monarchy adapts to a new generation.

Details of the Italy Visit

The three-day visit kicked off with a warm welcome on April 7 at the Palazzo del Quirinale, where Charles gifted Mattarella a rare Shakespeare edition, and Camilla offered a book on British gardens. Charles’s April 8 parliamentary speech on sustainability earned applause, while the banquet featured dishes like saffron risotto and veal Milanese, with Charles toasting UK-Italy ties.

The Colosseum photo and Vatican visit on April 9, where Pope Francis blessed their union, added depth, blending diplomacy, culture, and faith into the anniversary narrative.

Porcelain Anniversary Symbolism

The 20-year “porcelain anniversary” signifies resilience and beauty, apt for Charles and Camilla. Rome’s ancient endurance echoes their story—fragile at times, yet unbroken. The video captures this, portraying a couple whose bond has matured into something lasting, much like the city’s timeless ruins.

Camilla’s transformation from pariah to respected queen mirrors this theme. Her Rome engagements, like supporting women’s causes, turn past criticism into purpose, earning her new admirers.

Global Echoes

Italian media lauded the visit, calling the video a “human touch” to royalty, while the BBC dubbed it “love meets diplomacy.” In the US, CNN praised it as a savvy move to soften the monarchy’s image. The Vatican stop added a spiritual layer, with Francis’s blessing amplifying the event’s reach.

The international buzz underscores how Charles and Camilla turned a personal milestone into a global story, blending romance with regal duty.

Looking Ahead

At 20 years, Charles and Camilla are cementing their reign. Charles, post-cancer treatment, plans trips like a 2025 Africa visit, while Camilla aims to expand her work with domestic violence survivors. The Rome celebration hints at a legacy of resilience and relevance, navigating modern challenges like Harry’s exit and generational shifts with a mix of tradition and innovation.



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