King Charles and Queen Camilla are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary today, with experts revealing the surprising secret to their very happy marriage. The couple, who tied the knot on April 9, 2005, are known to be extremely close and enjoy spending time together but, according to experts, the pair do like to schedule their alone time.

Speaking of their marriage, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has told the Express that their time apart is the "one secret" to their long-standing marriage. Ms Bond said: "Perhaps one secret of their happy marriage is that they make a point of spending time apart." The expert revealed that as well as the Queen spending time at her own residence, Ray Mill, the 77-year-old also likes to plan quality time with their five grandchildren.

She said: "When Camilla is at her own house, Ray Mill, she can completely relax— take a breather from ”being Queen”, and enjoy romping around with her grandchildren [Lola Parker Bowles, Freddy Parker Bowles, Eliza Lopes and Louis and Gus Lopes]."

Discussing the King, 76, Ms Bond added: Charles, meanwhile, is content to live his ordered life at Highgrove.

"But they are never apart for long, and those small periods of separation undoubtedly keep their relationship fresh."

Also speaking ahead of the couple's milestone wedding anniversary today, leading royal expert and author Robert Jobson also told the Express: "Their marriage is a masterclass in how independence can enhance, rather than diminish, a partnership. Above all, Camilla has brought relatability to the monarchy.

"Her warmth, wit, and grounded nature have made her the steady force within the Royal Family.

"King Charles, in turn, has found in her a confidante who understands the pressures of his role yet refuses to let the weight of the crown define their marriage."

The couple will be spending their wedding anniversary in Italy, with the pair having arrived in Rome on Monday for a four-day royal tour. To mark their wedding anniversary, Buckingham Palace shared three new pictures of the couple on Monday evening. The pictures were taken outside Villa Wolkonsky.

The caption on social media read, "As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people! A presto, Roma e Ravenna! - Charles R & Camilla R."