APRIL 9th 2005 THE WEDDING of CAMILLA SHAND and PRINCE CHARLES - THEY WAITED 33 YEARS FOR THIS!

A second marriage for the both of them.  Prince Charles married Princess Diana in 1981.  She died in 1997.  No doubt the opinions of a great many important and influential people, and that of the general public, were taken into account when it came to exactly when the two lovers would be allowed to marry.




The Civil Ceremony - where Charles and Camilla exchanged rings in private.

The announcer says "They waited 33 years for this."  Followed by a Blessing Ceremony at
Saint George's castle.

Charles' mother Queen Elizabeth II, and his father, Prince Phillip did attend, as did his son's Princes William and Henry (Harry).  Camilla's family also attended.

One wonders how it was all planned to be both meaningful and wonderful for the couple, and sensitive to others.

A PAUSE : THE ROYAL WEDDING OF CATHERINE Duchess of Cambridge and CAMILLA PARKER BOWLES WINDSOR

A pause here. Yes - of course I watched The Royal Wedding. And I was impressed. Of course, I really truly hope that Catherine and William will have a wonderful enduring marriage. I hope they will both be faithful and loyal.

But I couldn't help but wonder about CAMILLA PARKER BOWLES WINDSOR, the mistress who finally married her Prince, Charles, years after they met. I saw her image on the television screen once or twice and I wondered what she was thinking! I'm one of those people who wishes that Charles and she had married young and never mind all that Princess Shy Di business.

But here we are, 2011, and of course I wondered if Diana was hovering with pride over William and Catherine.

Is there really a way to mistress-proof a marriage?

YOU?