This is the picture the world has been waiting to see - Prince Charles and long-time love Camilla Parker Bowles holding hands in public for the first time

With Charles keen to raise Camilla's profile as his partner - and possibly his wife - he was happy for a waiting photographer to capture this intimate moment.

Clutching on to the Prince's hand, Camilla glanced at him lovingly as the couple left the Ark black-tie charity bash at Somerset House.

The way has been paved for the pair to tie the knot, after laws allowing divorcees to remarry in church were due to be relaxed.