The Prince Proposes

Charles and Camilla announce their upcoming nuptials

Anyone who has seen a Merchant Ivory film knows that the British follow any flash of emotion with a long spasm of ritual. So it was that around Christmas, Prince Charles got down on one knee and proposed to Camilla Parker Bowles. She accepted. Then the Prince asked his mother Queen Elizabeth for official consent. The Queen, in accordance with the centuries-old Royal Marriages Act, asked Prime Minister Tony Blair for the government's approval. The PM consulted with the attorney general. Meanwhile, the Church of England chewed over the religious significance of a middle-aged, divorced prince trading vows with his middle-aged,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!