Here are some of the key moments which have shaped the growing acceptance of Camilla Parker Bowles as Prince Charles' long term companion.

January 1999: The Ritz Photocall

Charles and Camilla made their romance public in front of the press

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles made their first public appearance together in the glare of the world's media.

The occasion, a 50th birthday party at the Ritz Hotel in central London for Camilla's sister Annabel Elliott, was the first signal that their long-running love affair was now "official".

Charles emerged from the hotel followed closely by Camilla. Up to 200 photographers and journalists were there to witness the occasion, having set up 60 ladders lined three-deep in anticipation outside the hotel.

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June 2000: Meeting the Queen

Camilla met the Queen at Highgrove

The Queen met Camilla Parker Bowles for the first time at a 60th birthday party for King Constantine, the former King of Greece.

The party took place at the prince's home at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.

Charles, Camilla and the Queen are believed to have sat at the same table at the party.

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June 2000: Meeting the Archbishop

Camilla met the Archbishop of Canterbury

It was revealed that Camilla Parker Bowles had several private meetings with the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey.

The six meetings are understood to have been at the request of Dr Carey. They are said to have discussed Mrs Parker Bowles' relationship with the Prince, although the question of marriage was never directly addressed.

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February 2001: Press Complaints Commission Party

Camilla attended the same PCC party as Charles and William

Prince Charles, Prince William and Camilla Parker Bowles all attended a party in London celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Press Complaints Commission.

The event - at London's Somerset House - was the first time that the three had appeared together in public.

The princes, both wearing dark suits, spent about 90 minutes at the party. Mrs Parker Bowles, wearing a black dress and pearls, and accompanied by her son Tom, arrived 14 minutes after the princes.

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June 2001: First kiss

The first public embrace for the couple

The Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles kissed in public for the first time.

Mrs Parker Bowles officially received the Prince at an event in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society.

She greeted him with a smile before he put his right hand on her arm and kissed her lightly on both cheeks.

It was also the first time in public the Prince had played a supporting role for Mrs Parker Bowles at an official function.

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December 2001: A walk in the park

The couple took a walk through Green Park

The Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles took a stroll together in a London park.

The couple were making their way from the Prince's home, St James's Palace, to the Ritz hotel and took a shortcut through Green Park.

They were greeted by a bank of photographers and wellwishers.

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June 2002: Jubilee Concert

Camilla was in the Royal Box for the Queen's Golden Jubilee concert

Camilla Parker Bowles sat in the Royal Box at the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebration concert in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Eighteen members of the Royal Family were in the audience of the Prom concert, including the Queen herself.

In March, Camilla also accompanied Prince Charles to a classical concert in the Queen's presence.