On April 9, 2005, the then Prince Charles, now King Charles, and Camilla Parker Bowles, now Queen Camilla, were united in matrimony in a significant civil ceremony held at Windsor Guildhall, marking a departure from more traditional royal unions. This event was particularly notable as it represented the first instance of a civil ceremony for royals within England. The choice for such a ceremony was influenced by the couple’s previous marriages, with respect for Charles’s impending role within the Church of England cited as a primary consideration.

Queen Elizabeth II, despite not attending the civil ceremony due to her position as the head of the Church of England, was present at the subsequent religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel and hosted a lavish reception at Windsor Castle. It was here that she delivered a memorable and touching speech, emphasizing her support for the couple and creatively likening their journey to a successful horse race, underscoring the trials they had overcome together.

The wedding, which was subject to a one-day postponement due to the death of Pope John Paul II, saw Charles attending the Pope’s funeral representing the United Kingdom. Camilla’s choice of attire eschewed the royal tradition of a tiara, opting instead for a cream silk chiffon dress with a matching oyster silk coat, designed by Robinson Valentine, reflecting the unique nature of their wedding.

Fast forward to today, King Charles and Queen Camilla are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary, a testament to their long-standing relationship which initially garnered public scrutiny, especially in light of Charles’s preceding marriage to Princess Diana. Their journey, from a controversial romance to becoming a respected royal couple, exhibits their resilience and dedication to each other amidst challenging circumstances, including the recent challenge of King Charles’s ongoing cancer treatment. Despite these obstacles, the couple’s commitment to their roles and to each other continues to resonate, with plans for a private commemoration of their wedding anniversary.