Prince Charles's relationship with his now wife Camilla began nearly 50 years ago. The couple, who married in 2005, might not describe their royal love story as a fairytale – they've weathered controversies, tragedies and ups and downs, and all in the glare of the public eye. And yet, both on their second marriages, they seem to be living happily ever after. As speculation swirls that the Duchess of Cornwall may one day be Queen, take a look back at Prince Charles and Camilla's romance.A chance meeting at a polo match in 1970 marked the beginning of Camilla Shand's relationship with Prince Charles. The two – both age 23 – began dating, but their romance cooled when the future King was called away on naval duties overseas. Here, Charles, with his back to the camera, and Camilla chat after a polo match in a photo dated around the year they met.Photo: Serge Lemoine/Getty Images
The royal bachelor didn't ask his girlfriend to wait for him, and she went on to marry – and have two children with – long-standing admirer Andrew Parker Bowles. Camilla became Camilla Parker Bowles when they wed in 1973, left. Eight years later, Charles tied the knot with his 19-year-old bride Diana Spencer, who would then become royal icon Diana, Princess of Wales.Photos: Getty Images
Prince Charles and Camilla remained in contact throughout the 1970s. Charles was godfather to Camilla's son Tom, born in 1975, and continued to see his former girlfriend and her new husband on the social scene and polo circuit. Here old pals Camilla and Charles are joined by their mutual friend Lady Sarah Keswick, center, in 1979.Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images
Both of their marriages eventually fell into difficulty, however. Camilla split from her husband in 1995, and Charles and Diana's marriage broke down in 1992, with the divorce becoming final five years later. In the meantime, a firestorm of controversy surrounded Camilla and Charles's relationship when, in 1994, the Prince admitted he had committed adultery with Mrs Parker Bowles while still married to Diana. Camilla chose to remain silent on the subject.After the tragic car crash death of Princess Diana in 1997, Camilla, who withdrew from public life, and Charles kept their blossoming relationship low key. Their first official public 'date' was a joint appearance in 1999, seen here, at a party held at the Ritz Hotel in London. That year she met Prince William and Prince Harry; in 2000, she would meet the Queen.Photo: Getty Images
In 2002 it became evident the pair were ready to move further into the spotlight, when Camilla and Charles were spotted holding hands. Camilla also began joining the royals – including Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla's soon to be stepsons, William and Harry – at public engagements. Here Camilla sits behind Charles and the young Princes at 2002's Party at the Palace concert in honor of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images
Three years later, on February 10, 2005, came the news many royal watchers had been waiting for: Charles and Camilla were engaged! Charles presented his future wife with a unique art deco style ring featuring a huge square cut diamond flanked by three diamond baguettes. The family heirloom, which Camilla proudly showed off after the engagement was announced, was said to have been given to Queen Elizabeth II's mother in 1926 when Her Majesty was born.Photos: Getty Images
On April 9, 2005, the royals gathered at Windsor to celebrate the wedding as Camila Parker Bowles became Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. As crowds lined the streets, Prince Charles and his bride married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, Berkshire.Photo: Getty Images
A wedding blessing at St George's Church followed. Here is a family photo after the ceremony, featuring the royals – Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, front left, and Princess William and Harry, back left – and Camilla's children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Parker Bowles, now Laura Lopes, back right, and father, Bruce Shand, seated.Photo: Getty Images
Now, more than a decade after their wedding, the down-to-earth Duchess of Cornwall has been credited with bringing a joie de vivre to the couple's life together. And never is that so evident than during their public engagements, when a shared laugh never seems to be far away.Photo: Getty Images
During her time with Charles, Camilla has become an integral and much-loved part of the lives of his sons William and Harry as well. "We are very grateful for her. She's made our father very happy," Prince Harry has said of his stepmother.Photo: Getty Images
During recent years the Duchess has taken on an increasingly prominent public role, both at home in the UK and royal tours abroad. Here, at Buckingham Palace on December 8, 2016, she stands with Prince Philip and the Duchess of Cambridge with three generations of monarchs present and future: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Prince William.Photo: Getty Images
Despite the ups and downs and controversies, it seems that in Camilla, Charles has found his soulmate and equal – one who never fails to bring a smile to his face. But what does the future hold for Camilla's role? Until March 2018, the Duchess of Cornwall's future title when Charles becomes King was to be Princess Consort. However, a revamp of the Clarence House website saw statements featuring the title removed, fueling speculation that Camilla may in fact be given the title of Queen.Photo: Getty Images