With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, assumed her new role as Queen Consort.
In his first address as king, Charles III said, “This is also a time of change for my family. I rest upon the assistance of my beloved wife Camilla. In recognition of her faithful public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the unwavering dedication to duty upon which I have come to depend. Much”.
Camilla first met the future king when they were both in their twenties, at a polo match. Growing up in the English countryside, Camilla developed a passion for horses.
It was in the early 1970s and Charles joined the Royal Navy. In his absence, Camilla married cavalry officer Andrew Parker Bowles. The couple had two children.
In 1981, Charles married Diana Spencer, but years later admitted that he was having an affair. The couple divorced, and Camilla was abusive in the public eye.
After Diana’s death in 1997, the royal family attempted to improve Camilla’s image, including carefully coordinated appearances with Charles.
In 2005, Charles and Camilla married in a civil ceremony in Windsor Guildhall. Later that year, despite her fear of flying, Camilla made her first official visit to the United States, as the Duchess of Cornwall.
Over the course of their 17-year marriage, Camilla has emerged as Charles’ greatest friend and love of his life. Charles and Camilla have traveled the world together and are often seen joking and laughing.
As a royal, Camilla has advocated for causes such as children’s literacy, and raising awareness regarding osteoporosis, a disease that affected her mother and grandmother. She has also worked to support victims of domestic violence.
On the jubilee held in February this year, the Queen cemented Camilla’s future. She declared that when Charles becomes king “Camilla will be known as the Queen Consort as she continues her faithful service”.
This summer, Camilla celebrated her 75th birthday by editing the July edition of the British magazine Country Life, choosing Kate, Duchess of Cornwall, for her cover photo.
Now as Camila steps into her most important role as Queen Consort, many are thrilled that she has taken her place in history.
