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Queen Camilla's life in photos: from a young girl to her coronation

The Queen was crowned alongside King Charles on 6 May 2023

Queen Consort Camilla
Phoebe Tatham
Content Writer
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Queen Camilla cemented her legacy within the royal family after she married the then-Prince Charles in April 2005. Over the years, the 76-year-old has become a firm staple within the family, joining her husband on many engagements and tours. 

Just months prior to her death, Queen Elizabeth II even announced that she wanted her daughter-in-law Camilla to be referred to as "Queen Consort" when Charles ascended the throne. By May 2023, the royal was crowned alongside  King Charles III, and made history by opting to re-wear an existing crown for the splendid coronation service in Westminster Abbey.  

Her journey – from secretary (Camilla worked at several London firms in the '60s) to King Charles's partner and, finally, Her Majesty – has played out over more than five decades, culminating in her being anointed and crowned as the nation's Queen.

HELLO! takes a closer look at Camilla's life before she stepped into her Queen Consort role. 

Keep scrolling for a closer look at Camilla's younger days...

4-year-old Camilla with her 3-year-old sister Annabelle Shand © Getty

Young Queen Camilla

1952: Camilla looked adorable as a bridesmaid aged four with her three-year-old sister, Annabelle Shand. The sibling duo attended the wedding of Jeremy Cubitt and Diana du Cane in St Mark's Church in London on 17 January.

A young Camilla chatting to Prince Charles© Getty

Early romance

1972: A young Camilla nailed 70s glamour as she paused for a chat with Prince Charles whilst soaking up some polo action.

Camilla Shand and Captain Andrew Parker Bowles on their wedding day© Getty

The Andrew Parker Bowles years

1973: Camilla Rosemary Shand wed Andrew Parker Bowles on 4 July 1973. The couple said "I do" at St. James's Palace, with the bride wearing a pie crust collar white gown with long sleeves and a ruffled hem. The couple went on to welcome two children – a son called Tom and a daughter called Laura. They split in 1995, one year after Prince Charles admitted to committing adultery during his marriage to Princess Diana.

Camilla and her ex-husband Andrew attending a book launch© REX

1985: Camilla and her former husband Andrew looked super sleek as they stepped out for a glitzy book launch event. The future royal looked lovely in a tailored suit which she paired with a slouchy clutch.

Camilla looked lovely in red© Rex

1989: Back in 1989, Camilla showcased some serious sartorial flair as she attended an event wearing a bright red dress flecked with dramatic polka dots. Ever the style icon, she teamed her statement frock with some giant gold hoops and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses.

Camilla wearing a chic black suit© Getty

1990: Camilla debuted a spectacular black hat in the early 1990s. For a special event in Hyde Park, the former receptionist donned a chic pillbox hat adorned with iridescent feathers. She looked super sophisticated in a military-style blazer which she wore layered over a ruffled cream shirt.

Camilla attending a polo game© Getty

1992:  In the early 1990s, Camilla attended the Queen's Cup polo match in Windsor wearing a grey check skirt suit with the most fabulous, padded shoulders. She wore a bright pink T-shirt underneath and accessorised with a trusty leather clutch.

Camilla riding in Wiltshire© Getty

Post divorce

1995: Keen equestrian Camilla was spotted riding in Wiltshire back in 1995. The royal adores the countryside and relocated to Wiltshire following her 1994 split. She bought a stunning property called Ray Mill House and lived there between 1996 and 2003.

The mother-of-two shares two children with her former husband© REX

1996: Camilla was photographed with her two children Tom and Laura as they attended a portrait exhibition at the Ritz Hotel.

Camilla wearing a powder blue suit© Getty

1998: The future Queen attended a huge society wedding in 1998 wearing an ultra-chic pastel blue suit, a set of pearls and a wide brim blue hat adorned with delicate white petals. She arrived 20 minutes before Prince Charles who attended the event with his son Prince Harry and Zara Phillips.

Camilla looked pretty in pink© Getty

1999: Camilla unveiled a second stunning wedding guest look in 1999. Stepping out in London, the mother-of-two looked picture-perfect in a rosy-pink skirt suit complete with a frilled trim and oversized buttons. She wore her hair down loose beneath a matching pink hat. Perfection!

Queen Camilla wearing a satin blue dress © Getty

1999: Camilla unveiled a second stunning wedding guest look in 1999. Stepping out in London, the mother-of-two looked picture-perfect in a rosy-pink skirt suit complete with a frilled trim and oversized buttons. She wore her hair down loose beneath a matching pink hat. Perfection!

Camilla and Charles on their wedding day© Getty

Marrying Prince Charles

2005: Camilla married her second husband Prince Charles in 2005. The royal couple announced their engagement in February 2005 and tied the knot in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, Berkshire followed by an official religious blessing at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on 9 April.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for the start of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords Chamber© Getty Images

Becoming Queen

2023: Queen Camilla is crowned alongside her husband King Charles III in Westminster Abbey during an historic ceremony on 6 May 2023.

King Charles and Queen Camilla rode in the gold state coach© Getty

The couple then travelled in the Gold State Coach passed adoring crowds towards Buckingham Palace, where they later appeared on the balcony to wave and watch a flypast.

Queen Camilla smiling on Christmas Day© Getty

2023: It was a special Christmas for the King and Queen, since it was the first one since their coronation day.  Camilla, 76, looked in high spirits as she greeted the crowds who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the royals, outside St Mary Magdalene. Her first royal Christmas at Sandringham - with her in-laws – was in 2005, eight months after her married to the then Prince of Wales.   

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