As the world continues to marvel at the enduring love of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, it is fascinating to reflect on the tumultuous journey that led them to their union. The couple's relationship has been marked by controversy and scrutiny, with many questioning the propriety of their romance given the royal family's traditional expectations of marital harmony and the societal norms of the time.
The story of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles is a testament to the power of true love, as they have defied convention and societal expectations to build a life together. Despite the challenges they faced, including the public backlash and the scrutiny of the media, the couple has remained steadfast in their commitment to one another, a true reflection of the enduring nature of their bond.
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| The Duke and Duchess of Calabria at the Royal Palace in Madrid, 2019.
Photograph (c) Bekia. |
Today, Prince Pedro and Princess Sofía of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke and Duchess of Calabria, celebrate their twentieth anniversary!
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| Doña Sofía arrives at the wedding with her father Don José Manuel Landaluce. |
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| The Duke of Noto arrives at the wedding. |
On 30 March 2001, Prince Pedro, Duke of Noto, and Doña Sofía Landaluce y Melgarejo were married in the chapel at the Real Club Puerto de Hierro in Madrid. Father Marco Álvarez de Toledo y Marone, a grandson of Infanta Cristina of Spain, officiated at the religious ceremony. Don José Manuel Landaluce acted as the godfather for the couple; Princess Anne, Duchess of Calabria, acted as godmother. Among others, the wedding was attended by the Prince of Asturias (now King Felipe VI of Spain), Infanta Elena and her husband Don Jaime, and Infanta Margarita and her husband Dr Carlos Zurita.
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| Pedro and Sofía. |
Born in 1968, Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Noto, was the only son of Infante Carlos of Spain, Prince of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and his wife Princess Anne d'Orléans. Pedro's paternal grandparents were Infante Alfonso of Spain, Prince of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and his wife Princess Alicia of Bourbon-Parma. Pedro's maternal grandparents were Prince Henri d'Orléans, Count of Paris, and his wife Princess Isabelle of Orléans-Bragança. Born in 1973, Doña Sofía Landaluce y Melgarejo was the daughter of Don José Manuel Landaluce y Dominguez and his wife Doña Blanca Melgarejo y Gonzales. Sofía's paternal grandparents were Don Francisco Landaluce y Asensio and Doña Manuela Dominguez. Sofía's maternal grandparents were Don Carlos Melgarejo y Tordesillas (a son of the 5th Duke de San Fernando de Quiroga) and Doña Emilia Gonzáles y Gonzáles de Jonte. The marriage of the Duke of Noto and Doña Sofía Landaluce y Melgarejo was the crowning of a loving relationship of almost ten years, which had began in 1991. Pedro and Sofía had known one another since they were teenagers. A strong bond formed between them formed: their romance commenced when Pedro was twenty-three and Sofía was eighteen. In 1993, the couple welcomed the arrival of their first child, a son: Jaime (now Duke of Noto). Pedro's father Infante Carlos, Duke of Calabria, hoped for a royal bride for his only son and heir; therefore, paternal and dynastic approval for the couple to marry was not immediately forthcoming.
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| Pedro and Sofía with their son Jaime. |
Despite the lack of approval, Pedro and Sofía maintained their relationship. Sofía focused on raising their son Jaime, and Pedro regularly spent time with his beloved and their child. Over the years, Sofía won over her eventual father-in-law Carlos. The dedication of Pedro and Sofía to one another and their child, as well as their desire to be married, was ultimately victorious. Infante Carlos, Duke of Calabria, served as one of the witnesses to the couple when they married in 2001.
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| The Duke and Duchess of Calabria with their children, 2015. |
After their marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Noto had a further six children: Prince Juan (b.2003), Prince Pablo (b.2004), Prince Pedro (b.2007), Princess Sofia (b.2008), Princess Blanca (b.2011), and Princess Maria (b.2015). Although the children of the Notos were initially not considered to be dynasts, the Duke of Calabria decided after 2004 that the children of his son and daughter-in-law should, in fact (and rightfully so), be styled as Royal Highnesses and Prince(ss) of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.
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| The Duke and Duchess of Calabria arrive at the funeral of Infanta Alicia, 2017.
Photograph (c) Getty Images/Europa Press Entertainment. |
In 2015, Pedro's father Infante Carlos passed away. Prince Pedro succeeded as the Head of the Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies; he and his wife Sofía became titled as Duke and Duchess of Calabria. In 2020, the couple announced the engagement of their eldest son Prince Jaime, Duke of Noto, to Lady Charlotte Lindesay-Bethune. The wedding was originally scheduled for Summer 2021; however, due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the marriage has had to be delayed.
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| The Duke and Duchess of Calabria. |
Our congratulations to Prince Pedro and Princess Sofía, Duke and Duchess of Calabria, on their 20th wedding anniversary!
The story of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles is a testament to the power of true love, as they have defied convention and societal expectations to build a life together. Their royal romance has been marked by controversy and scrutiny, with many questioning the propriety of their relationship given the royal family's traditional expectations of marital harmony and the societal norms of the time. However, the couple's unwavering commitment to one another has ultimately prevailed, and their love has become a beacon of hope for those who believe that true love can conquer all.
As we reflect on the twenty years of their relationship, it is clear that their bond has only grown stronger with time. Despite the challenges they have faced, including the public backlash and the scrutiny of the media, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles have remained steadfast in their devotion to each other. Their love is a reminder that true love knows no bounds, and that even in the face of adversity, it can overcome any obstacle. As we look to the future, we can only hope that their royal romance will continue to be an inspiration to us all, a shining example of the transformative power of love.
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