Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

I’ve taken photos of King Charles for 50 years & there’s a reason he’s a much nicer person now compared to younger days

Published on April 04, 2025 at 08:15 PM

WHEN people used to ask me, “Will Charles ever marry Camilla?”;, I always replied, “What is there in it for her?”;

In her Panorama interview in 1995, had labelled as the third person in her ­marriage to the then Prince of Wales.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on a beach.
The main thing I’ve noticed is that the King, who I have been photographing for nearly 50 years, has become a nicer person
Camilla and Charles at a book signing.
Thanks to Camilla, he has calmed down – these days he rarely gets stressed or wound up about things

After Diana’s death in August 1997, there was open hatred around the world for Charles’s mistress.

No way would Camilla ever marry the heir to the throne and become our queen.

How wrong was I? From the moment I took their engagement photo,

I followed the royal couple all over the world and I have never heard one disparaging remark against this lovely lady.

Next week, Charles and Camilla will celebrate 20 years of during their state visit to Italy.

I have seen their marriage up close and, in my opinion, it is an extremely happy union.

Since their wedding in Windsor on April 9, 2005, it has become very obvious that they make each other feel very happy and secure.

The main thing I’ve noticed is that the King, who I have been photographing for nearly 50 years, has become a nicer person.

Thanks to Camilla, he has calmed down. These days he rarely gets stressed or wound up about things.

In the past he would get angry if the windows were shut or there was no air in the room. All that pent-up anger seemed to disappear after he tied the knot with Camilla.

Occasionally, like the time when his pen leaked during an official ceremony, he will become a bit frustrated, but Camilla soothes the situation.

Like all couples, they have the odd disagreement. It is only natural.

But, unlike during his marriage to Diana, there is laughter even in the midst of an argument.

In Philadelphia, on their first overseas tour, I was asked to take some pictures of the couple and, when I got to the room, it was obvious ­Camilla had not been told about it.

There were raised voices and she was leaving the Prince in no doubt whatsoever that he should have told her.

She had not had her hair done and she was going to get changed.

As I walked into the room, she saw me, stopped rowing and said: “Arthur, tell us a joke.”;

Immediately, the argument was over and they both burst out laughing.

They both have a history of unhappy marriages behind them and are determined that it is never going to happen again.

The other secret to their success is that is a great supporter. Unlike Diana, Camilla never, ever outshines Charles.

Princess Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles at a horse race.
In her Panorama interview in 1995, Princess Diana had labelled Camilla Parker Bowles as the third person in her ­marriage
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, after their wedding blessing.
After 20 years of keeping their love an open secret, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with his true love

When they are together on royal engagements, she always stands just a little bit behind.

Obviously, Camilla gets to meet all the people that matter, but only after Charles has introduced her.

Often the King stands there ­waiting for her because she just chats on and on.

But she is so good at what she does because Camilla has never ever lost the common touch.

On their first foreign tour, to the US in 2005, walking around a ­market in , someone gave her a peach and she bit into it.

I remember saying, “Diana would never have done that”;. But Camilla wanted to show her appreciation. It was a natural thing to do.

On that same trip, they signed the visitors’ book and Prince Charles lent her his beautiful pen.

KING TEASED

When he tried to get it back off her, she teased him and wouldn’t give it back.

They had a little game, where she was teasing him. I never once saw Diana do that.

It was obvious there was something special between the couple — they made each other laugh.

Over 20 years I’ve photographed them countless times, but I have never seen Camilla lose her temper with a photographer.

Once, , God rest her soul, had me kicked out of Great Ormond Street Hospital for no reason — she was just in a bad mood.

It is now well over 40 years since I photographed Diana being chaperoned by Camilla at Ludlow races where the Prince was riding.

At the time, I didn’t think it was odd. But around a decade later, I was coming out from the State Opening of and came across one of the royal staff and we got talking about rumours that Charles and Diana’s marriage was on the rocks.

He said to me, “It’s always been Camilla”;. I was a bit shocked. But to Charles, Camilla was “non- negotiable”;.

After 20 years of keeping their love an open secret, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with his true love.

As they walked down the steps of St George’s Chapel in Windsor ­following the blessing of their register office wedding, Camilla looked stunning and so happy.

Prince Charles playing polo, speaking with a photographer.
Arthur Edwards with Prince Charles playing polo at Midhurst, Sussex
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and a man sitting together.
Over 20 years I’ve photographed the royal couple countless times, but I have never seen Queen Camilla lose her temper with a photographer

I think a lot of people changed their opinion of her that day.

Six years after their marriage, I was a castaway on Desert Island Discs.

Three days after the broadcast I got a handwritten letter from Camilla, who was at Balmoral.

She wrote: “Dear Arthur, I can’t stop crying listening to all the wonderful things you’ve said about my husband.”;

I thought it was so lovely. But since the King was diagnosed with cancer last year, this remarkable lady has helped carry the monarchy on her slim shoulders.

She insisted that one particular engagement in be brought forward because the King was not well enough to attend, but she did it on her own so people wouldn’t be disappointed.

I remember her saying to me at Rye in East that the King would be fine “if only he did what he was told”;.

I imagine she has pretty strong words with him to make him ­follow doctors’ orders.

The best thing Charles and ­Camilla ever did was get married.

I am delighted that I could not have been more wrong about them.

It has been one of the happiest royal marriages ever.

Prev Article

B&M abruptly closes store after beloved shopping centre shuts ‘indefinitely’

Next Article

Anambra guber: Soludo picks forms for APGA primary election

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *