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Politics & World • Royalty

Camilla, Queen Consort

Camilla, Queen Consort, is the wife of King Charles III and the queen consort of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Camilla, Queen Consort, is the wife of King Charles III and the queen consort of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. Born Camilla Rosemary Shand in London in 1947, she was formerly known as Camilla Parker Bowles and became queen consort when Charles acceded to the throne in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was crowned alongside Charles at his coronation in 2023.

Early life

Camilla Rosemary Shand was born in London on 17 July 1947 and grew up in England. She came from an upper-class British family with long-standing social connections.

Marriage and public life

Camilla married army officer Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, and they had two children: Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. Her later relationship with Prince Charles drew public controversy, especially during the breakdown of Charles's marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales. She later married Charles in 2005.

Queen consort

After Charles became king in September 2022, Camilla became queen consort of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. As Charles III is also King of Canada, Camilla is queen consort of Canada as well. She was crowned alongside Charles at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023.

Charitable work

As a senior royal, Camilla has supported charities and causes focused on literacy, domestic and sexual violence, and animal welfare.

Key facts

  • Camilla is the second wife of King Charles III.
  • She was born in London on 17 July 1947.
  • She married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973 and later married Charles in 2005.
  • She became queen consort in September 2022 when Charles became king.
  • She was crowned at Charles III’s coronation in May 2023.
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Canadian context

Camilla is queen consort of Canada’s monarch, since Charles III is also King of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Camilla, Queen Consort?
She is the wife of King Charles III and the queen consort of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
What was Camilla Parker Bowles’ birth name?
Her birth name was Camilla Rosemary Shand.
When did Camilla become queen consort?
She became queen consort in September 2022, when Charles became king after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Was Camilla crowned?
Yes. She was crowned alongside Charles III at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023.
Does Camilla have children?
Yes. She has two children from her first marriage: Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Camilla-queen-of-the-United-Kingdom
    Supports: Birth date, identity, marriage to Charles III, and public background.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/camilla-duchess-of-cornwall
    Supports: Canadian context, title as queen consort, and relationship to Canada’s monarch.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59150068
    Supports: Her role as queen consort and public profile as Charles’s wife.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/video/when-did-Camilla-become-a-member-of-the-British-royal-family/-277370
    Supports: Marriage timeline, controversy, and charitable focus.
  5. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/uk/queen-camilla-profile-intl-gbr
    Supports: Crowning in 2023 and duties as senior royal.