Why the Queen chose not to attend Prince Charles' wedding to Camilla

In 1981, around 750 million people worldwide tuned in to watch Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Twenty-four years later, in 2005, the Prince of Wales tied the knot for a second time, to Camilla Parker Bowles, but this time around it was a much quieter affair.

So much so, the Queen did not attend.

The Queen’s absence from the historic event was noted worldwide however she had a good reason – she was simply choosing her duty over her family.

The Queen’s reasons

“I am not able to go. I do not feel that my position [as Supreme Governor of the Church] permits it,” Her Majesty told a friend at the time, according to The Times.

As she is head of the Church of England, being divorced comes to odds with the Church’s teachings – Charles divorced Diana in 1996 and Camilla divorced Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995.

Initially, at the time of the nuptials, it was reported the Queen was “snubbing” the ceremony due to her disapproval of her son’s 33-year on-off affair with Camilla, but it was simply down to her role.

The Queen did however attend a religious blessing for the couple. She was pictured on the steps of St. George’s Chapel at the service of prayer and dedication, beaming as the couple emerged from the church.

Her Majesty also made a brief speech at their reception.

The Queen attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding

Despite her decision not to attend her son’s second wedding, she did attend Prince Harry‘s wedding to divorcee Meghan Markle in May last year.

So, what changed? According to a royal butler is was simply down to changing times and a “change of heart”.

“People have mentioned it to me but I say look Prince Charles’ wedding was 13 years ago, times have changed,” Grant Harrold previously told The Express.

“It could be a change of heart, I don’t know the answer as to why she didn’t go to Charles’ wedding but she was at the second part.”

Meghan – now known as the Duchess of Sussex – was previously married to actor and producer Trevor Engelson, but the couple divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage.

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