Davina Sheffield, once described as the “soulmate” of King Charles, has died at the age of 75 following a short illness, her family has confirmed. Her three sons-Thomas, William and Henry-announced her passing and revealed plans for a celebration of life service set for November 2.
Davina first began courting then-Prince Charles in 1976, sparking considerable attention and speculation about her potential future as Queen. Observers at the time frequently referred to her as Charles' “soulmate,” noting the couple’s frequent appearances together at various events.
The Prince notably invited Davina as his companion to a wedding and introduced her to the Royal Family at Balmoral, including the Queen Mother. Photographs from that period show her seated alongside Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at an equestrian event.
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However, the relationship came to an abrupt end following revelations from Davina’s former partner, powerboat racer James Beard, who disclosed they had previously shared a “love nest.” Due to royal conventions requiring an heir to marry an unblemished partner, the relationship was “killed stone dead.”
Charles later married Diana in 1981, while Davina married Jonathan Morley five months afterwards that same year.
Davina Sheffield was the granddaughter of the first Lord McGowan, former chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries, and a cousin of Samantha Cameron, wife of former Prime Minister David Cameron.