Bedell Smith makes claims that it was in fact, Camilla's family that wanted her to marry Andrew rather than the heir to the British throne.
'They intervened by publishing an engagement notice in The Times on March 15. His hand publicly forced Andrew proposed to his girlfriend of nearly seven years,' Bedell Smith writes.
By publishing an untruthful engagement notice, Camilla's father changed the course of history.
When Charles was back in port a few days later, he heard the news of Camilla's engagement and was understandably shocked.
According to Bedell Smith, Charles 'couldn't understand how "such a blissful, peaceful, and mutually happy relationship" had ended so abruptly, after such a promising start.'
If Andrew hadn't been forced to propose, Charles may have married Camilla first — instead of carrying on a disastrous affair with her during his marriage to Diana.
Bedell Smith further claims the couple didn't marry due to the royal family perceiving Camilla as an 'experienced' woman. Smith claims the duchess wasn't seen by the royal family as 'aristocratic' enough for the next in line for the throne.
Prince Charles' great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, reportedly advised the prince, 'Lovely for you two to have a fling, but this absolutely cannot end in marriage,' Express claims.
