Prince Charles has decided to reschedule an official visit to Russia so as to be home in time for Camilla Parker Bowles' 56th birthday. The move is being taken as further evidence of the future king's devotion to his long-time companion.
Charles rearranged his trip to St Petersburg so he could be at Camilla's side for a romantic birthday dinner on July 17th. And rumour has it that the future King will use the intimate meal to propose.
"Juggling this three-day important trip to St Petersburg so it does not clash with Camilla's birthday shows the depth of Charles' feelings," said one source. "He would not allow the affairs of state to get in the way of her birthday."
The Prince has been working for quite some time to convince the people of Britain to accept his mistress as one of the family. Just days ago she was a guest at a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.
At the event she was introduced to Prince Philip, who hasn't spoken to her since Charles' admission of adultery a decade ago. The gathering was said to be a success, with no tension between Camilla and the Royal Family.
The couple has made numerous public appearances together since they first stepped out for Camilla's sister's birthday party in 1999. Later that year they took a holiday to the Greek islands, along with Prince William and Prince Harry. And in June 2000 the Queen gave her recognition to the relationship by attending a function where Camilla was present.
Public sympathy has grown for Camilla in recent years and it's widely believed that Charles thinks the time has come to get engaged. Opinion polls suggest the people of Britain want him to marry his companion, though she cannot become Queen as she is a divorcee.
"I think we're going to see the pair getting married," said royal biographer Robert Lacey. "It's what the public opinion polls say they want. Of course, what they also say is that they don't want Camilla to become Queen. I think Camilla will be given one of Charles' titles. He's Duke of Cornwall, he's Duke of Rothesay – so she'd become the Duchess of something."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
