Prince Charles and his companion Camilla Parker Bowles are taking their relationship one step further, inviting 100 friends and family members to a gala celebration at Buckingham Palace next month. The event marks a first for the couple, who have previously only entertained together at St James’s Palace and the Highgrove estate.
The lavish gathering will include a drinks reception followed by dinner and dancing in a ballroom bedecked with lillies, Camilla’s favourite flowers. The 55-year-old divorcée has also commissioned a new gown by Robinson Valentine for the special night.
“This is an occasion for the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles to repay some hospitality and to acknowledge the goodwill and understanding of their respective families and close friends,” says a royal courtier. The Queen and Prince Philip will be on a tour of Canada during the first two weeks of October, and are not expected to attend.
The announcement has caused a buzz among many royal watchers who believe the party may be the backdrop for an engagement announcement for Charles and his longtime companion. Camilla has taken an increasingly public role at the Prince’s side in recent months, spending the summer holiday with Charles at the late Queen Mum’s Scottish residence Castle of Mey, and standing side by side with the heir to the throne at the Royal Sandringham Flower show. A Palace spokeswoman, however, dismissed rumours of pending nuptials as “complete speculation”.
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