Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, admits that it’s “not easy” discovering time to spend with Prince Charles — her husband of 17 years — attributable to their demanding work schedules.
“It’s not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet,” she instructed British Vogue of her routine with future king.
“Sometimes it’s like ships passing in the night, but we always sit down together and have a cup of tea and discuss the day. We have a moment,” she went on. “It’s lovely to catch up when we have a bit of time. You know when we go away, the nicest thing is that we actually sit and read our books in different corners of the same room. It’s very relaxing because you know you don’t have to make conversation. You just sit and be together.”
Camilla, 74, and The Prince of Wales, 73, had a relationship earlier than each married different individuals, with Bowles marrying Andrew Parker Bowles, a British Army officer she divorced in 1995. They share youngsters Tom, 47, and Laura, 44.
Prince Charles went on to marry Princess Diana and welcome sons, William and Harry, in 1982 and 1984, respectively. The royals separated in 1992 and have been formally divorced in 1996 following infidelity from each events.
Camilla was largely caught in the midst of their drama, with many taking sides, particularly following Diana’s loss of life in 1997.
“It’s not easy,” she mentioned of receiving public backlash on the time. “I was scrutinized for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it. Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticized and…But I think in the end, I sort of rise above it and get on with it. You’ve got to get on with life.”
Which she did, marrying Prince Charles in 2005 and taking her royal duties critically ever since, not too long ago attending the Royal Ascot along with her husband rather than The Queen, who couldn’t make the occasion.
At the service, Camilla was formally acknowledged as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, six months after her appointment.
In February, The Queen formally backed Camilla because the future Queen Consort, which can occur when Charles someday takes the throne.
At a royal engagement later that month, The Duchess mentioned she was “very honored and very touched” by the gesture.