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Twenty-one years have passed since King Charles and Queen Camilla exchanged vows, first in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall and later through a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George’s Chapel. The anniversary of their union brings forth reflections from those who witnessed the event, alongside insights from experts on King Charles’s enduring attachment to having his wife by his side.
Grant Harrold, who served as King Charles’ butler for seven years, shares his memories of that momentous day. Harrold, whose responsibilities extended to being a valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver, also tended to Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate during their visits to Highgrove House. Since his tenure with the royals, he has established himself as a leading etiquette expert in the UK, a best-selling author, and a respected royal commentator.
Behind the scenes at Charles and Camilla’s wedding
In a conversation with Showbiz Cheat Sheet on behalf of Heart Bingo Online, Harrold recalled, “I attended their wedding in 2005 at Windsor Castle, and it was truly a remarkable day. Inside St. George’s Chapel, it was an intimate setting, yet we could hear the jubilant cheers and shouts from outside. My view was somewhat obstructed by a pillar, but I caught glimpses of them as they entered and exited.”
Following the ceremony, Harrold attended the reception, reminiscing about the lively atmosphere: “We gathered at St. George’s Hall for drinks and canapes, which was thoroughly enjoyable. The late queen delivered a memorable humorous speech, mentioning she had foregone watching the Grand National to attend the wedding. Her presence was marked by warmth and happiness, as she expressed her support for the couple.”
Speaking on behalf of Heart Bingo Online, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “I went to their wedding in 2005 at Windsor Castle and it was amazing. It was a fun day. We’re in St. George’s Chapel in a closed environment. We could hear all the cheering and shouting outside. I was in front of a pillar, so I couldn’t see a huge amount, but I could see them when they walked in, and I could see them when they walked out.”
The former royal butler also attended the reception that followed, “We all then went up to St. George’s Hall and had a drinks and canapes reception, which was great fun. The late queen did that famous funny speech where she’d given up watching the Grand National so she could be there for the wedding, but she was very supportive. She was very happy.
“I remember at the reception you had the Royals, celebrity guests, peers and the staff all mixing together. You had Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, and I think Joan Rivers was there. Sting wasn’t there, but his wife was there.”
Reason the king is always ‘fidgeting’ when his wife is not around
Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.”
Stanton has also analyzed King Charles’ demeanor over the years and pointed out how he still gets a bit flustered when Camilla isn’t right by his side.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “During public events, Charles is often looking around and fidgeting when Camilla isn’t by his side, which shows how dependent he is on her. But when they are together, we see this genuine laughter shared between them with engaged eye contact, and this shows how they are on the same page emotionally.
“When he was a young prince, we rarely saw him display a relaxed nature. Camilla brings that side out of him where he can be himself, let go and just enjoy his time as king.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.