It has been 19 years since King Charles and Queen Camilla tied the knot in a second marriage for both of them. This wedding was attended by Prince William and Prince Harry, along with Camilla’s children, Tom and Laura. However, according to Harry’s memoir, he and William initially resisted the marriage, fearing controversy due to Camilla’s role in their parents’ marriage breakdown. The young princes eventually accepted Camilla, with Harry stating later that they wanted their father to be happy, even if they did not want him to remarry.
The relationship between Charles, Camilla, and the princes was initially tense and awkward, with Harry reportedly unnerving Camilla when they first met. Speaking to royal biographers, palace sources described the early interactions between Camilla and the young princes as challenging, given their loyalty to their late mother, Princess Diana. Despite the initial difficulties, Charles and Camilla’s public relationship was only revealed in the early 2000s, years after Diana’s passing, gradually easing tensions between Camilla and her stepsons as they grew older.
As time passed, William and Harry seemed to develop a warmer relationship with Camilla. By the time Harry turned 21 in 2005, he publicly thanked Camilla for making their father happy. However, insiders note that while the relationship between the three has improved over the years, it was more a show of unity rather than a close bond. Sources suggest that Charles and Camilla’s marriage was initially met with resistance and criticism from the public, which may have influenced the dynamics within the family and the relationship between Camilla and the princes.
Despite the initial tensions and challenges, the relationship between Charles, Camilla, William, and Harry has evolved over time. The younger princes may have come to accept and appreciate Camilla’s presence in their father’s life, even if their early encounters were uncomfortable. While the relationship may not have been as close or affectionate as some might expect, the family has found a way to coexist as adults. Ultimately, Charles and Camilla’s 19-year marriage has stood the test of time, despite the initial controversies and challenges that arose when they first tied the knot in 2005.
