Queen Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, has secretly found love again. Andrew is dating TV host Anne Robinson, who has opened up about the couple’s romance. Moreover, Camilla and Andrew’s love story sheds light on how King Charles III fell in love with Camilla and then lost her, only for them to get married years later.
Actress and writer Anne Robinson has confirmed the rumors that she is indeed dating Queen Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. In a candid interview, she revealed her relationship with Queen Camilla’s ex-husband.
When the journalist was asked if she was really going out with Andrew, she replied, “Yes. Full stop. Mind your own business.”
Anne Robinson attends Sir David Frost’s Summer garden party in London, England, on July 2, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Andrew, a retired Army brigadier, lost his second wife, Rosemary Dickinson, in 2010. In contrast, Anne has been single since her divorce from John Penrose 17 years ago.
Andrew and Anne, who both live in the Cotswolds, met more than a year ago at a lunch with friends and, despite some speculation, have kept their relationship private until now.
Andrew Parker Bowles arrives at Westminster Abbey for the service of celebration in memory of The Lady Elizabeth Shakerley CVO, in London, England, on June 23, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Anne took her time getting into a relationship after her divorce. She revealed that she had been out of the dating game for so long, and as a person who doesn’t drink, she had forgotten how it felt to be reckless.
Anne Robinson during a press reception at the Washington Hotel in London, on January 13, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Now that she is risking it in the dating pool, Anne admits, “I’d say that like everything else I’ve done, it’s always worth the risk. I’m a great believer in surprising yourself by taking risks. Personally and professionally.”
The “Doctor Who” actress believes that if one does not venture anywhere, they have nothing to gain. “If the worst that can happen is you get some egg on your face, that’s not terrible is it?” she asked.
Anne Robinson posing for a magazine photo shoot in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, on April 23, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
As such, Anne has taken the bold step of dating Camilla’s ex-husband. The news that Andrew Parker Bowles, once a dashing officer in the Royal Horse Guards, has found love with the renowned TV host has sparked a flurry of reactions online.
Andrew Parker-Bowles arrives on Day Three of the Royal Ascot Meeting in Ascot, England, on June 17, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
One of the most notable comments highlights Anne’s beauty. A user enthused, “And she is so beautiful 💖,” capturing the sentiment of many who admire the former host of “The Weakest Link” for her striking appearance.
Anne Robinson attends a drinks reception at the Man Booker Prize Winner Ceremony in London, England, on October 16, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s ages, Andrew in his early 80s and Anne in her late 70s, have also been a point of endearment among fans. “84❤️79, we need more love stories like this,” wrote one commenter.
Still, several online users couldn’t help but draw comparisons between Anne and Queen Camilla. “She certainly looks better than his ex-wife and hopefully has a better personality,” one comment read.
Anne Robinson poses for a photograph during the Press and VIP day for Chelsea Flower Show in London, England, on May 19, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, the uncanny resemblance between Anne and Camilla has not gone unnoticed. “They kinda look alike,” noted one observer, while another online user added, “He clearly has a type lol,” alluding to the similarity in appearance between the two women.
Anne Robinson, poses during her book promotion in London, on October 18, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
Overall, the reception of this new relationship has been overwhelmingly positive. One user excitedly said, “Good, I hope they’re happy!” and another person remarked, “What a pair!” reflecting the public’s warm wishes for the couple’s future.
Andrew now relishes in love after a divorce and the loss of his second wife. As for Camilla, she went on to marry King Charles III after her divorce from Andrew after their mutual friend, Lucia St. Cruz, introduced the two.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall are seen as they meet a North Pole expedition team at Clarence House in London, on February 21, 2005. | Source: Getty Images
Sally Bedell Smith, the author of “Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life,” said Charles and Camilla first met over drinks at Lucia’s flat in London, where Lucia and Camilla were neighbors.
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess Of Cornwall, leave the Service of Prayer and Dedication following their marriage at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, on April 9, 2005. | Source: Getty Images
Charles immediately fell in love while Camilla, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with Andrew for six years, was ready for some excitement with this new man she had just met. Charles was 23 and Camilla was 25 at the time.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Sant’Ambrogio Market to celebrate the Slow Food movement, in Florence, Italy, on April 3, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Conveniently, Andrew left in July for a six-month deployment in Northern Ireland and Cyprus. Lord Patrick Beresford, a lifelong friend of Camilla and Andrew, mentioned that Charles got in the middle of Camilla’s relationship with Andrew, despite Camilla being deeply infatuated with Andrew.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Andrew Parker Bowles attend the book launch of ‘The Year Of Eating Dangerously’ by Tom Parker Bowles, in London, England, on October 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Historian Hugo Vickers wrote in “The Crown Dissected” that, “It is accepted that at that time Camilla was in love with Andrew Parker Bowles, a good-looking cavalry officer, who knew when to strike.”
“Meanwhile the young Prince of Wales was too unsure of himself to make up his mind. There was no need for any Palace plot,” he added.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall look at each other as they reopen the newly-renovated The Strand Hall in Builth Wells, Wales, on July 4, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Charles, who was a less confident man than Andrew, lost Camilla when he did not propose to her before sailing off for eight months. Andrew took this chance and proposed to Camilla, and the two eventually got married.
Major Andrew Parker-Bowles and Camilla Shand at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, on July 4, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
Luckily, Charles and Camilla’s love for each other ensured that the two got married years later after she and Andrew divorced. Now, Andrew has also found love again in Anne, getting to enjoy happiness in his older years just like the king and queen are.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Braemar Highland Gathering in Braemar, Scotland, on September 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Charles and Camilla have now been married for close to two decades. As previously reported, the two were captured getting off their plane as they landed in Aberdeen for their 19th anniversary. Retreating to their Balmoral estate home has been a longstanding tradition for the reigning pair.
The royal couple, known for their enduring bond, chose their cherished Highland retreat for this year’s anniversary as they do every year, a tradition they’ve honored since their wedding on April 9, 2005.
Arriving from RAF Northolt in north-west London, they were seen touching down at Aberdeen Airport in the evening. They later made their way to their secluded haven, Birkhall in Balmoral Estate.
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave after attending church in the village of Crathie, near Balmoral on September 8, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Nestled a mere seven miles from the castle, Balmoral is a place that holds sentimental value as it was where they spent their honeymoon. This visit, set against the backdrop of Charles’ ongoing battle with an undisclosed form of cancer, adds mystery to whether he is in the midst of treatment or taking time to rest.
Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, May 18, 1961. | Source: Getty Images
Located in the expansive Cairngorms National Park, this remote estate offers a tranquil escape from public life. For Charles, following in his mother’s footsteps to find solace and strength in the beauty of nature is a cherished ritual, one that he and Camilla now share as they look back on nineteen years together and forward to many more.
King Charles during a ceremony to present service medals to soldiers from the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland in the grounds of Birkhall in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, on October 13, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
The estate has long been a cherished retreat for the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth, as a young princess, along with her sister Margaret Rose, enjoyed many joyful holidays at Balmoral.
Queen Elizabeth II with then Prince Charles in the garden at Birkhall on September 2, 2009, Balmoral Estate, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
This tradition continued throughout her reign; the estate became her preferred summer sanctuary, where she found peace and solace amidst its vast landscapes. It was here that Queen Elizabeth indulged in her love for Highland ponies and took leisurely strolls, truly embracing the serene embrace of Balmoral.
Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles plant a tree to mark the start of the official planting season for the Queen’s Green Canopy at the Balmoral Cricket Pavilion, Balmoral Estate in Scotland on October 1, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Balmoral holds an equally special place in His Majesty’s heart, not only as a cherished childhood memory but also as a testament to his grandmother’s influence.
Balmoral Castle from the walled rose garden, residence of the British Royal Family, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images
“It is such a special place, particularly because it was made by my grandmother,” he reflected. This “childhood garden,” as he fondly calls it, has seen only modest enhancements by the King, aimed at preserving its original charm and beauty.
Balmoral Castle from the walled rose garden, residence of the British Royal Family, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Situated 600ft above sea level and facing the majestic Lochnagar mountain, Birkhall, the residence on the estate, is enveloped in an aura of seclusion and tranquility.
King Charles during a ceremony to present service medals to soldiers from the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland in the grounds of Birkhall in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, on October 13, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
The River Muick, a vibrant waterway that courses through the estate, adds charm to the garden. The sound of its water and the loud calls of swifts flying above are what captivates the Royal. “The river is the magic,” Charles marveled.
The River Muick in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
Meanwhile, the gardens at Birkhall are a testament to the meticulous care and dedication of its caretakers. Flowers particularly blooming in the late summer months also align well with the Monarch’s preferred time to visit.
The garden in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
Interestingly, the hands that tend to this lush expanse, Ann Bain and Suzie Graham, were not always into gardening. Originally horse loggers, their journey to becoming Birkhall Gardens’ custodians began with a desire for change. This led them to garden duties at Birkhall one day a week.
The garden in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
Eight years into this new path, they stepped up as the garden’s full-time caretakers. They progressed under the mentorship of Debs Goodenough, Charles’s head gardener at Highgrove.
The garden in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
The garden’s layout is a scenic marvel, with levels that show off many red roses, like Europeana, Le Mans, and Bishop Elphinstone. This floral splendor is anchored by trimmed yew decorations. The main one comes from the Queen Mother, while Charles adds more to make the garden look good in winter.
King Charles during an interview in the garden in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
From peas and beans to dahlias and sweet peas, and from potatoes to raspberries, the garden is a blend of fruit, vegetables, and flowers, cultivated to provide fresh produce for the house during the royal family’s stay.
The garden in Balmoral Estate, dated 2022 | Source: YouTube/BBC News
This self-sufficient oasis not only serves the practical needs of Birkhall but also stands as a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s abundance, meticulously curated to peak in beauty when the King and Queen are in residence.