Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Queen's secret speech at King Charles and Queen Camilla's wedding few people know about

King Charles's former butler shares all the little-known details from the royals' intimate wedding reception


 TRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, and The Duchess Of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles in silk dress by Robinson Valentine and head-dress by Philip Treacy, at the Service of Prayer and Dedication blessing their marriage at Windsor Castle on April 9,
Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
On 24 April 2023
Share this:

Little is known about the intimate details of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla's nuptials. The royals, both divorcés, tied the knot in a small ceremony at Windsor Guildhall in 2005, before receiving an official blessing at St George's Chapel. 

The Queen and Prince Philip did not attend their son's civil wedding ceremony. According to the Telegraph, the Queen bowed out because of her role as head of the Church of England, which discourages divorce. 

WATCH: Look at the Queen's reaction to Camilla's wedding hat mishap

However, the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh hosted a reception for the newlyweds at Windsor Castle later that day, showing that they very much approved of the union. 

HELLO! sat down with former royal butler Grant Harrold, who just so happened to be invited to the royals' wedding reception. Grant, who hadn't been part of the royal household long enough to be on the rota to work as a butler during the royal wedding, was given a personal invitation by Charles and Camilla.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Grant revealed a little-known detail from behind the scenes at the now King and Queen's nuptials. 

"There's no record of it because it all happened behind closed doors, but the Queen actually did a speech at the reception," explained Grant. "She had everyone in stitches. I remember thinking 'well, this is the best comedy act I've seen in years'. 

"She just shared several fun, great stories and family memories. At that point, she would have been in her eighties but you would never have known," recalled the former royal butler. 

Prince Charles and Camilla's wedding with Harry and William© Getty
Prince Charles and Camilla's wedding with Harry and William

Then-Prince Charles met Camilla Shand, both 23, at a polo match in 1970, and they dated before the King-to-be was called away on naval duties overseas. He didn't ask his girlfriend to wait for him, and she went on to marry Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973. 

They welcomed children Laura and Tom before splitting in 1995. Meanwhile, Charles was married to his late wife Princess Diana from 1981 to 1996, during which time they welcomed Prince William and Prince Harry. The latter has since reiterated that Camilla was the "third person" in his parent's marriage.

READ MORE: Prince William 'tormented' by King Charles' secret relationship with Queen Consort Camilla

Don't want to miss a story? Sign up to The Royal Life newsletter to get your weekly dose of royal lifestyle inspiration.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Weddings

See more