So we’ve talked about how Camilla actually IS the Princess of Wales and about a ‘Royal Whoops’ moment she had a few months back with an umbrella, but we haven’t talked about the engagement ring Prince Charles gave her yet so here we go!
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles announced their engagement on February 10, 2005, 35 years after they first met at a polo match in 1970.
The couple hosted a reception at Windsor castle the night of the engagement announcement and spoke to the media briefly when they arrived (the pictures of Camilla in the red dress were taken that night). Charles said that they were “absolutely delighted” to be engaged and when asked how she felt about the proposal Camilla said, “I’m just coming down to earth.” Sweet.
For their part, William and Harry issued a short statement that said, “We are both very happy for our father and Camilla, and we wish them all the luck in the future.” The Queen’s statement said, “The Duke of Edinburgh and I are very happy that the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles are to marry.”
Another serious royal endorsement came in the form of the engagement ring itself. Charles gave Camilla a diamond and platinum ring that Clarence House confirmed was a royal family heirloom. It is believed to have belonged to the Queen Mother, who Charles was extremely close to, but that has not been confirmed, no doubt for the backlash it would have caused back in 2005 when the public was still generally wary of Camilla. However, sources “in the know” have maintained that it was in fact one of many rings owned by the Queen Mother.
Here’s a closer look at the ring. There is a central emerald cut diamond flanked by three baguettes:
Chales and Camilla certainly seem to be on the same page in this shot taken at Windsor castle:
We also love this picture of the couple and their children taken on their wedding day, Saturday April 9, 2005. That’s Harry and William on the left of course and Laura and Tom Parker Bowles on the right:
The wedding had been set for the day prior (Friday, April 8, 2005) but was pushed back to the following day so as not to conflict with Pope John Paul’s funeral which Prince Charles attended. Poor Camilla apparently was feeling dreadful during the wedding as she had a bout of flu. What a saga but all’s well that ends well.
If you missed our posts on other royal engagement rings, check out the “Royal Engagement Rings” category on the left. Enjoy!
Categories: British Royal Family, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Royal Engagement Rings, Royal Jewels, Royal Weddings
Tags: Camilla Parker-Bowles; Duchess of Cornwall engagement ring, Queen Mum ring
