The Crucial Role Camilla's Ex-Husband Played at Charles and Diana's Wedding
Wow...
"There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," Princess Diana famously said during her controversial 1995 BBC interview.
She was referring, of course, to Prince Charles' ongoing affair with his now-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, who was married to her ex-husband Andrew at the time of Charles and Diana's wedding.
Diana was reportedly distrustful of Camilla from the start, and once told royal author Andrew Morton of her 1981 wedding day, "I knew she was in there, of course. I looked for her. So walking down the aisle, I spotted Camilla, pale gray, veiled pillbox hat, saw it all, her son Tom standing on a chair. To this day, you know—vivid memory" (via Good Housekeeping).
Knowing all that we know now, a certain piece of news commentary from Charles and Diana's wedding is sounding particularly icky right now. The following words were spoken by a commentator during their carriage procession down The Mall road in London, and unearthed by new documentary The Princess, which airs Aug. 13 on HBO Max.
"The escort, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Parker Bowles," the journalist narrated. "Charles and Lady Diana stayed with him and his wife Camilla in Wiltshire on two occasions at the end of the year. So they're among friends as they ride along the Mall."
Indeed, as Good Housekeeping reports, Andrew Parker Bowles, then a commanding officer, led the couple's ceremonial escort on their wedding day.
The commentator didn't seem clued into Charles and Camilla's romantic past (well, and future), but it's now very clear to all of us that Charles may have been "among friends" that day, but Diana certainly wasn't.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Six European Royals Wore a Tiara on the Same Day During Two Dazzling Events
Let's call it the tiara bowl.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Poignant Reason Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Armani Latimer Ditched Her Wig
Her performance shed light on a chronic condition at the team's most recent football game.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande Chanel-ify Their Red Carpet Uniforms
This duo looks ready for awards season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Friend Reveals Donald Trump Once "Bombarded" the Royal With Flowers in Attempt to Pursue Her
"Trump clearly saw Diana as the ultimate trophy wife."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Charlotte Has Inherited One of Princess Diana's Favorite Passions
Talent runs in the family.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Camilla Is "Vulnerable" Following Pneumonia Diagnosis and Her Friends Are "Extremely Concerned"
"To get pneumonia at her age is no small thing."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla Wears a Quietly Symbolic Coat With Necklace That Promotes "Wellness" Amid Pneumonia Battle
The Queen honored the Qatari royals through her wardrobe.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Avoid a Joint Appearance With Separate Diana Award Tributes
The royal brothers remembered their late mother while supporting the charity's 25th anniversary.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Amelia and Eliza Spencer Serve Major Princess Diana Energy in the Revenge Dress Reboot Nobody Saw Coming
Princess Diana's twin nieces channeled their royal aunt in off-the-shoulder black gowns.
By Kristin Contino Published