After Princess Diana and Prince Charles separated, the future King’s affair with Camilla Parker Bowles (now Queen Camilla) exploded into public view when a private, intimate phone conversation between them was leaked.

The transcript—described by some as containing “phone s*x”—dominated newspaper front pages and was dubbed both “Camillagate” and “Tampongate.” First teased in late 1992, the full content was published the following January, marking another blow in what had been a difficult year for the royal family.

The infamous phone call

The call reportedly took place on December 17, 1989, when Charles was still married to Diana and Camilla to Andrew Parker Bowles. Alongside arranging secret meetings, the pair exchanged steamy comments. Charles famously joked he’d like to be reincarnated as Camilla’s underwear, adding: “Or, God forbid, a Tampax. Just my luck! My luck to be chucked down a lavatory and go on forever swirling round on the top, never going down.”

In the exchange, Camilla teased: “Mmm. You’re awfully good at feeling your way along.” Charles replied: “I want to feel my way along you… all over you and up and down you and in and out… particularly in and out.” Camilla sighed: “I know it would revive me. I can’t bear a Sunday night without you.” Charles told her he needed her “several times a week,” and they ended with declarations of love.

The press printed the transcript in full and even set up a phone line so the public could hear the actual recording. In 1994, Charles admitted to cheating on Diana, claiming it was only after their marriage had “irretrievably broken down.”