Davina Sheffield, one of King Charles' former girlfriends who was once described as his "soulmate", has died at the age of 75. She passed away on September 2, her three sons - Thomas, William and Henry - have confirmed. Her death followed a short illness, and the family says a celebration of life service will be held on November 2.
Romance with Charles in 1976
Davina and Charles first started dating in 1976, and she was tipped to be the future Queen. Royal watchers at the time described her as the King's "soulmate", with the pair frequently seen attending events together.
Charles brought Davina as his guest to a wedding, a sign the relationship was serious. Soon after, she was seen sitting with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at an equestrian event, and she was later taken to Balmoral to meet the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother.
Relationship ends after revelation
The romance was "killed stone dead" after Davina's ex-boyfriend, powerboat racer James Beard, revealed they had previously lived in a "love nest". At the time, tradition dictated that the heir to the throne needed to find an "unblemished" bride, so the relationship soon ended.
Charles married Diana in 1981, and Davina married Jonathan Morley five months later that same year.
Family background
Davina was the granddaughter of the first Lord McGowan, who had chaired Imperial Chemical Industries. She was also the cousin of Samantha Cameron, wife of former Prime Minister David Cameron.
