Queen Elizabeth’s tell-tale sign she approved of Charles’s marriage to Camilla | Royal | News | Express.co.uk
King Charles and Queen Camilla married back in 2005, following initial hesitations from Queen Elizabeth II. The proposal and subsequent request for approval was documented in the final series of hit Netflix show The Crown, which aired dramatised scenes of Charles’s request to the Queen to marry Camilla.
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Charles and Camilla with their families, at their wedding in 2005 (Image: Tim Graham via Getty)
While this show often sensationalises some scenarios for dramatic effect, it is known that the Queen was initially hesitant of their relationship, even deciding not to attend the wedding itself, though turning up for the reception.
But, there are signs that the Queen did approve of the marriage after all, despite initial cynicism.
As The Crown releases its second batch of episodes for its final season, viewers are set to watch the moment King Charles tied the knot with Queen Camilla back in 2005.
The couple wed at Windsor Guildhall and despite rumours the late Queen and Prince Philip disapproved of their relationship, former Royal butler Grant Harrold revealed how Queen Elizabeth was heavily involved in the wedding planning.
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Mr Harrold worked within Charles’ household for seven years between 2004 and 2011, and insists the late Queen was full of love for her son and his new wife and secretly went above and beyond to cement her approval. In an interview with Guides For Brides, Grant shares how the Queen played a huge part in organising important wedding details on the day, from the flowers to Charles and Camilla’s wedding rings, and even gave a comical speech at the newlywed’s reception.
“I remember walking to St George’s Hall for the reception, where they had drinks. The Queen had not attended the actual service but she gave a speech at the reception, which was seen as a big sign of her approval to the marriage.
“I can’t remember her exact words but she was funny. She compared their relationship to a Grand National horse race. She was a great comedian and had a way with words.”
Mr Harrold also discussed the swirling rumours around the Queens disapproval of the relationship, which he says were put to bed on the day of the wedding.
“There was talk about whether she would attend the service but her appearance at the reception was a joyful one. Her attendance and speech would have been seen as an olive branch to Charles and Camilla. Her blessing of the marriage. The royals don’t do things lightly and she would have not attended if she hadn’t been happy to.”
The Crown documented the initial reserve within the Royal Family around Charles and Camilla’s wedding, with both Prince William and Prince Harry asked for their approval first, before the Queen gave their marriage the go ahead.
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