Charles told to apologise to Camilla’s ex

A LEADING Anglican bishop has suggested that Prince Charles must apologise to the former husband of his wife-to-be Camilla Parker Bowles before his wedding next month.

The Bishop of Salisbury the Rt Rev David Stancliffe was yesterday quoted as saying Prince Charles and Ms Parker Bowles would be required to take part in “making good of any hurts” ahead of the church blessing for their planned civil wedding on April 8.

The bishop, who as chairman of the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission is a leading authority on church rules, told the Sunday Times that the step was required as part of preparation for prayers of penitence at the service.

The couple are to be married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall on April 8 followed by a televised blessing led by the Archbishop of Canterbury in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

When Prince Charles admitted he had committed adultery after his marriage to Diana had broken down, Ms Parker Bowles was widely assumed, but never confirmed, to be the other woman involved.

But, containing a reference to “misconduct” in relationships, the bishop’s comments are being interpreted as meaning that Prince Charles would be required under church rules to apologise directly to Camilla’s ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles.

It is not known whether this would have to be in person, in the form of a letter or other means.

In a statement quoted in the newspaper the bishop said: “The Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles will be taking part in prayers of penitence at the service of prayer and dedication following their civil marriage.

“Preparation for the formal expression of such prayers includes the making good of any hurts, the restoration of relationships and serious attention being paid to the relationships fractured or damaged by misconduct.”

Last week it was announced that Ms Parker Bowles’s son Tom and Prince William would act as witnesses to the marriage, which is to be conducted by registrar Clair Williams.

On Saturday it was announced that the couple will break off from their honeymoon to carry out their first official engagement opening a children’s playground close to Birkhall, on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.