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King Charles and Queen Camilla tied the knot 21 years ago, first in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a Service of Prayer and Dedication at St. George’s Chapel.

Now, to mark their anniversary, someone who worked for Charles at the time and attended the wedding is looking back on that day, while an expert weighs in on why the monarch still gets antsy all these years later when his wife isn’t by his side.

Behind the scenes at Charles and Camilla’s wedding

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler for seven years. During his time working for the now-monarch, Harrold’s duties included those of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He also looked after Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate whenever they stayed at Highgrove House. Since leaving the royal household, he’s become one of the U.K.’s leading etiquette experts, a best-selling author, and a royal commentator.

Speaking on behalf of Heart Bingo Online, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “I went to their wedding in 2005 at Windsor Castle and it was amazing. It was a fun day. We’re in St. George’s Chapel in a closed environment. We could hear all the cheering and shouting outside. I was in front of a pillar, so I couldn’t see a huge amount, but I could see them when they walked in, and I could see them when they walked out.”

The former royal butler also attended the reception that followed, “We all then went up to St. George’s Hall and had a drinks and canapes reception, which was great fun. The late queen did that famous funny speech where she’d given up watching the Grand National so she could be there for the wedding, but she was very supportive. She was very happy.

“I remember at the reception you had the Royals, celebrity guests, peers and the staff all mixing together. You had Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, and I think Joan Rivers was there. Sting wasn’t there, but his wife was there.”

Reason the king is always ‘fidgeting’ when his wife is not around

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” 

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Stanton has also analyzed King Charles’ demeanor over the years and pointed out how he still gets a bit flustered when Camilla isn’t right by his side.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “During public events, Charles is often looking around and fidgeting when Camilla isn’t by his side, which shows how dependent he is on her. But when they are together, we see this genuine laughter shared between them with engaged eye contact, and this shows how they are on the same page emotionally.

“When he was a young prince, we rarely saw him display a relaxed nature. Camilla brings that side out of him where he can be himself, let go and just enjoy his time as king.”

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.

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