Camilla Parker Bowles is now one of the highest ranking members of the Royal Family.
As the Princess of Wales, she is the wife of the next-in-line for the British throne and the King of England, Scotland and Wales.
Camilla’s journey to the position of Duchess of Cornwall has been well documented by the press.
But less is known about her personal life before she and Prince Charles’ relationship came to light.
Camilla grew up in Plumpton, East Essex and went to Dumbrells, a co-educational school in Ditchling village, followed by Queen’s Gate, South Kensington.
She was called Milla at school, and was well liked, according to reports.
Christopher Anderson, author of Game of Crowns: Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne, told the New York Post that Charles’ wife was called a “tomboy” at school.
She also had a “boisterous sense of humour” the writer has said.
What is more, Camilla discussed her family’s link to British Royalty.
Her great-grandmother was Alice Keppel, King Edward VII’s mistress, a fact Camilla liked to repeat.
She told school mates: “My great-grandmother was the lover of the king. We’re practically royalty.”
A classmate, Lynn Annette Ripley, told biographer Gyles Brandreth Camilla has “inner strength” and “magnetism and confidence”.
Camilla left school with only one O-level before going onto finishing school age 16.
She lived in Tolochenaz, Switzerland for the course, before moving to Paris for six months.
She met Prince Charles in 1971, and was introduced to him by a friend Lucia Santa Cruz.
Camilla Parker Bowles was seen recently at the Sandringham Flower Show.
Prince Charles’ wife stood out in a heavily patterned floral print dress – an appropriate choice considering she was attending the flower event.
Little is known about Camilla Duchess of Cornwall’s family, who is Camilla Parker Bowles’ sister?
Camilla’s sibling was once employed by Prince Charles.
