Constitutional experts said Thursday that Prince Charles faces no legal barrier to marrying Camilla Parker Bowles on 8 April, though questions about public perception and her future royal role present ongoing challenges.
Two statutes govern royal marriages in Britain. The 1772 Royal Marriages Act requires the sovereign's consent, which Queen Elizabeth has provided. The 1701 Act of Settlement bars Catholics, and those married to Catholics, from the throne. Since Parker Bowles, like Charles, is Anglican, neither law poses an obstacle.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, endorsed the marriage, saying the plans were consistent with Church of England guidelines on remarriage for divorced persons.
Public reaction may prove harder to manage. Diana, Charles's former wife, who died in Paris in August 1997, a year after their divorce, remains widely beloved. Royal biographer Robert Lacey said public opinion of Parker Bowles is inseparable from feelings about Diana.
After the ceremony, Parker Bowles will hold the title HRH Duchess of Cornwall. Should Charles accede to the throne, she would be styled HRH Princess Consort rather than Queen, a distinction royal officials described as standard for a royal spouse.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in February 2005, in its own words.