Rowan Williams explains King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2005 civil wedding

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has addressed why King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2005 wedding was held as a small civil ceremony rather than a service at St George’s Chapel.

Williams stated that the decision to move the ceremony to Windsor Guildhall was based on the rules in place at the time. While the couple originally hoped to exchange vows at the chapel, the ceremony was instead held in front of approximately 28 guests. Although Church of England rules introduced in 2002 allowed Anglican priests to marry divorcees at their discretion, Williams noted that the decision was made according to the regulations of that period.

While Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip did not attend the civil ceremony, they later attended a blessing service at St George’s Chapel led by Williams.