CAMILLA Parker-Bowles will now be a Queen Consort as Her Majesty announced in her Platinum Jubilee Message.
It was previously thought that she shouldn’t take the default title and instead be a “princess consort”.
What will Camilla’s title be when Prince Charles becomes king?
It was originally thought that Camilla would be a “princess consort” when Prince Charles became king.
This decision would have actually required new legislation, because by default, the monarch’s wife automatically becomes the queen consort.
Princess of Wales was Princess Diana’s former title, and in regard to her, Prince Charles and Camilla decided when they married in 2005 that she would not take the title of Queen Consort.
But in a surprising twist from Her Majesty, she has given her blessing to Camilla to become queen consort when she passes her reign to her son.
The news came amid a heartfelt speech to mark the Platinum Jubilee, which celebrates the Queen’s staggering 70 years on the throne, on February 6, 2022.
What did the queen say regarding Camilla becoming queen consort?
In her platinum jubilee message, the queen said she “sincerely wishes” Camilla to become queen consort.
She said: “I am blessed to have had the unwavering and loving support of my family. I was fortunate to have a partner in Prince Philip who was willing to play the role of husband and selflessly make the sacrifices that come with it.
“It’s a role I saw my own mother play during my father’s reign.
“This anniversary also gives me the opportunity to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world during these years. I would like to express my sincere thanks for your support. I remain eternally grateful and touched by the loyalty and affection you continue to give me.
“And when, in the fulness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know that you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and I sincerely hope that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service. »
What is a royal bride?
A royal consort supports the monarch in almost all of their duties, be it public engagements, visits, rulings or support.
But unlike the king or queen, they have no official position or defined duties and responsibilities.
Women married to a monarch have always been crowned queen consort.
This was the case for George VI’s wife, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and for George V’s wife, Queen Mary, the Queen’s grandmother.
The exception was Queen Mary II who, with her husband King William III, was co-sovereign from 1689 to 1694.
Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, was made Prince Consort 17 years following marrying.
Victoria had wanted him to be king consort when they married, but then Prime Minister Lord Melbourne ruled him out.
The Duke of Edinburgh did not hold the title of Prince Consort, having rejected the offer in the early years of the Queen’s reign.
All mention of “Princess Consort” was removed from Charles’ website during a redesign in 2018.
