King Charles III and Queen Camilla are marking 20 years of marriage, and royal watchers say their secret to long-lasting love may come down to something quite unconventional: sleeping apart.
According to British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard, the royal couple has struck a balance between togetherness and independence that has helped them thrive over two decades of marriage. “They have also sussed out the best sleeping arrangements,” Chard told Fox News Digital. “At Clarence House, they are privileged to have their own bedrooms as well as their shared bedroom.”
This isn’t just a matter of royal luxury—it’s a reflection of the deep understanding Charles and Camilla have cultivated over their decades-long relationship. Chard described the pair as “great friends” who have “no competitive edge” between them. “Devoted Queen Camilla totally supports her husband in everything he carries out,” she said, noting Camilla’s only wish is that he would slow down a bit with work.
More than just sleeping arrangements, the couple also chooses to spend time apart at their respective country homes—Charles at Highgrove or Sandringham, and Camilla at her private retreat, Ray Mill House in Wiltshire. It’s a rhythm that works for them, allowing both to recharge and maintain their own identities.
“They are both independent people,” said Chard. “They don't live in each other's pockets, spending a healthy chunk of their time apart in their country homes.” She added that Camilla cherishes time with her friends and family, while Charles values solitude and time for creativity.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward echoed this sentiment, noting that Camilla retreats to Ray Mill on weekends and during the summer to be with her children and grandchildren. “It’s something that’s away from the whole royal world,” Seward explained. “She needed somewhere where she could actually relax and just be herself… and not be constantly monitored.”
Their marriage hasn’t always been smooth. Chard reminded readers that Camilla was once the subject of immense public scorn, even earning the nickname “The Rottweiler” from Princess Diana. “Trouble started brewing pretty much at the beginning of their marriage, largely due to a third person—Camilla Parker Bowles,” Chard said. But over time, even Princess Diana acknowledged that Camilla was Charles’ true companion. “She recognized that Camilla brought out the best in Charles.”
It wasn’t until 2005 that Charles and Camilla were officially married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, with the blessing of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Though the queen did not attend the ceremony, she and Prince Philip were present at a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel that followed.
Now, two decades later, public perception has softened, and many admire the couple for the strength and authenticity of their bond. “If a book was released about Charles and Camilla ‘from scandal to well-respected monarchs,’ sharing tips on their now perfect marriage, the book would fly off the shelves,” joked Chard. “Everyone is after a bit of their special gold dust.”
That “gold dust” may include simple things like kindness, personal space, and shared values. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams called their union a “marriage of two minds.” He noted that they’ve weathered countless ups and downs, including what Prince William called a “brutal” year, with both he and Princess Catherine battling cancer.
“It is commonly accepted that they have both benefited enormously from being of similar age, sharing the same sense of humor, having the same friends and, broadly, a similar outlook on life,” Fitzwilliams said.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich summed it up best: “What they shared, especially in their early years, but what has also endured, are their mutual love of horse country life, rural passions in general, with her earthy humor bringing him down to earth.”
In an era that often glamorizes constant togetherness, Charles and Camilla are proving that a little space—and a lot of support—can go a long way in keeping love alive.
