Camilla Rosemary Shand, or the Duchess of Cornwall, has long been a controversial figure in the British Royal Family. 

The Duchess, who was once known as "the most hated woman in Britain" and was characterised as the third person in Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage.

And when the heir to the throne married Camilla back on April 9 2005, 35 years after the couple first met, the British public spent little time getting to know her even then.

Here's everything you need to know about Camilla including the most-searched questions about the Duchess. 

Oxford Mail: The Duchess of Cornwall making a speech during a reception for the Anne Frank Trust at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, London.Credit:PAThe Duchess of Cornwall making a speech during a reception for the Anne Frank Trust at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, London.Credit:PA

Who is Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall?

Camilla Rosemary Shand was born on July 17 1947 at King's College Hospital, London. 

She is the daughter of Major Bruce Middleton Hope Shand and The Hon Rosalind Maud Shand (nee Cubitt) and is the eldest of three children.

The Duchess was educated at a co-ed school in Sussex called Dumbrells School and she then went on to Queen’s Gate School in South Kensington.

She also attended Mon Fertile School in Switzerland and studied at the Institut Britannique in Paris.

She is now the Patron or President of over 100 charities and organisations, supporting them by hosting events and visiting various projects.

When did Charles and Camilla get married?

Prince Charles and Camilla were wed in a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor on April 9 2005.

After the ceremony, the Queen hosted a reception for The Prince and The Duchess at Windsor Castle.

The couple got married 35 years after they originally met and first dated.

This was also 19 years after their affair during Charles' marriage began, according to the Prince of Wakes' authorized biography.

Who was Camilla married to before Prince Charles?

When Charles left to serve in the Royal Navy for eight months in 1970, essentially ending his relationship with Camilla, he returned to find her engaged.

The Duchess of Cornwall was formerly married to Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles but their marriage was dissolved in 1995.

They have two children together, Thomas Henry and Laura Rose. 

Oxford Mail: The Duchess of Cornwall visits the Royal Trinity Hospice in London, to switch on the Christmas lights and celebrate the hospice's 130th anniversary Credit: PAThe Duchess of Cornwall visits the Royal Trinity Hospice in London, to switch on the Christmas lights and celebrate the hospice's 130th anniversary Credit: PA

Will Camilla be Queen?

When Camilla married Prince Charles back in 2005, the Duchess did not take on the title of the Princess of Wales out of respect for Princess Diana who died in 1997. 

However, as the Queen approaches her Platinum Jubilee, many have begun asking what the Duchess will be called when Charles becomes King.

As of the New Year, Camilla has been gifted a new title - Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. 

The honour - from her mother-in-law the Queen - is in recognition of her service to the monarchy.

Prior to their wedding, Clarence House announced in a statement that:" It is intended that Mrs. Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne."

However, Camilla's new title has left many to speculate whether this will still be the case.

Royal biographer Hugo Vickers wrote in the Mail on Sunday that the appointment "paves the way for the duchess to become not only Queen by right when Prince Charles succeeds the throne, but Queen by name."

Is the Duchess of Cornwall related to Princess Diana?

The Duchess of Cornwall is actually related to both Princess Diana and Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Her great-grandmother was a mistress to King Edward VII, the great-great-grandfather of Prince Charles.

The Duchess also has shared ancestry with Princess Diana dating back to King Charles II.

How do you address the Duchess of Cornwall?

The Duchess of Cornwall should be addressed as Her Royal Highness (HRH) a title which is reserved for the most senior members of the Royal Family. 

When speaking to a royal, the HRH term becomes Your Royal Highness.