Queen Elizabeth announced Saturday she wants Camilla, the duchess of Cornwall, to be known as queen consort “when the time comes,” directly answering a long-speculated question of what Camilla’s title would be when her husband, Charles, becomes king.
In a message released on the eve of her 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, theElizabeth, 95, wrote that it is her “sincere wish” for Camilla to be queen consort – which means she would be referred to as Queen Camilla – and that people will give her son, Prince Charles, and his wife the same goodwill when he becomes king that Elizabeth has received.
She thanked her supporters for the “loyalty and affection” they have continued to show her.
A spokesperson for Clarence House, where the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall reside, told the BBC Charles and Camilla were “touched and honored.”
Camilla married Charles in 2005, and Clarence House suggested her future title would be HRH princess consort, which some speculated was a concession to low public opinion of her due to her relationship with Charles while he was married to Princess Diana, the Guardian reports. Charles reportedly has wanted Camilla to receive the title of queen consort, and be crowned and anointed, when he becomes king. Public opinion of Camilla has improved in recent years. The Queen made Camilla a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, in recognition of her contribution to the monarchy, in December.
With the queen’s announcement, Camilla is likely to face no obstacles in becoming a full-fledged royal alongside Charles. Former BBC Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt told the Guardian the Queen’s message was “extraordinary.” “The Queen is ensuring the transition, when it comes, to her son as king is as seamless and trouble free as possible,” Hunt said.
Queen wants Camilla to be known as Queen Consort (BBC)
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