| Celebrity
Couple Who Beat the Odds - Prince
Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles
In the face of public criticism,
a beloved ex-wife, a mother-in-law
that hates the bride to be and
just happens to be Queen, and
a complicated set of marriage
laws governing royals, Prince
Charles and Camilla found a
way to have a beautiful and
tasteful wedding. Camilla has
won over most of the public,
and Charles's two sons, Prince
Harry and Prince William. While
the Queen didn't attend the
wedding ceremony itself, she
did host the reception, and
said that she was proud of her
son on his wedding day.
The marriage has become a sensitive
issue because Camilla Parker
Bowles is divorced and her former
husband is very much alive.
Prince Charles would be the
Supreme Governor of the Church
of England if he took the throne,
and there is still opposition
among some Anglicans to divorcees
marrying again. The Church is
officially neutral on the issue,
but former Archbishop of Canterbury
George Carey had recently urged
the couple to marry.
Nevertheless, the couple married
in a civil ceremony at Windsor's
Guildhall on Saturday. On that
day, more than 20,000 people
cheered as the couple arrived
at the Guildhall for the private
civil wedding ceremony.
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay,
as they are known in Scotland,
went to the 11am service at
Crathie Parish Church. Camilla,
wearing a fuchsia hat and coat,
and the prince, in traditional
Highland dress, were greeted
by applause from about 100 well
wishers.
Afterwards, they returned to
Windsor Castle for a service
of blessing in St George's Chapel,
led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The reception, hosted by the
Queen, was held at the castle's
State Apartments. As the newlyweds
arrived at the parish church
on Sunday, the organ music played
included Charlie is my Darlin'
and My Love is Like a Red, Red
Rose. At the beginning of the
service, session clerk Ed Bushnell
warmly welcomed the prince and
duchess. "May I, on behalf
of the congregation of Braemar
and Crathie, wish you a long
and happy future together,"
he said. His good wishes were
followed by clapping from the
congregation.
Lay reader Capt Robbie Middleton
led the service, which was attended
by about 200 worshippers. Capt
Middleton asked for special
blessings for the royal couple
and that "their life be
fulfilled in all that they do
together in the coming years".
He also asked for prayers to
be said for Pope John Paul II,
whose funeral was held in Rome
on Friday. Outside the church,
one man said his daughters,
aged five and six, were delighted
at seeing the royal couple.
Australian John Oswald-Jacobs
said: "We came out especially,
we just wanted to be here as
the girls saw the wedding yesterday.
"We are thrilled to bits
for them that they have finally
tied the knot, we think it is
fantastic for them and for the
country."
The prince and duchess stayed
at Birkhall for 10 days but
broke off from their honeymoon
to open a children's playground
at Ballater later in the week.
Villagers said they were delighted
Charles and Camilla had chosen
Royal Deeside as a honeymoon
destination.
Barry Florence, of HM Sheridan
Butchers, which was supplying
Birkhall with food during the
honeymoon, said: "One of
the reasons I think Charles
and Camilla like it here is
because it is quiet, so they
can get on with their lives."
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