At the express wish of Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla is to become Queen Consort. The news hit like a bomb. But what exactly does the addition to the title mean?
London – In her message on the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne, the monarch (95) also cleared up the eternal speculation about the succession to the throne. There is no longer any doubt about her wish: If Prince Charles (73) inherits the throne one day, Duchess Camilla (74) should be “Queen Consort”, but what does that mean exactly?
Camilla Becomes Queen Consort: What’s the Difference in Queen’s Title?
There have been rumors since Prince Charles* married his former lover in 2005. What was on the nation’s mind was the question of succession to the throne. After the tragic death of Princess Diana* (36, †1997), many did not want the rival on the throne. On the Prince of Wales’s engagement to Camilla, there was a press release: “It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles will be titled HRH The Princess Consort when the Prince of Wales ascends the throne.” Princess, not Queen, mind you.
Now the Queen has decided. Camilla actually becomes “Queen Consort”*. It is the traditional title for the wife of a reigning monarch. The title “Queen” is intended only for female rulers who became regents by succession, such as Queen Elizabeth II, who became queen when her father King George VI (56, †1952)* died.
Camilla becomes Queen Consort: Instead of her, Duchess Kate becomes “Princess of Wales”
It is difficult to say when the change of heart took place. The palace behaved diplomatically for many years, Camilla always acted in the background and was not given Diana’s title Princess of Wales, but was appointed Duchess of Cornwall*. For many years she was a support to Queen Elizabeth II* and garnered sympathy. The title Princess of Wales will probably be given to Duchess Kate* (40) when Prince William* (39) becomes the Prince of Wales as the immediate heir.
Incidentally, the husbands of the female regents have a different title rule. After marrying the future Queen, Prince Philip* (99, †2021) gave up his title as Prince of Greece and Denmark and became the Duke of Edinburgh. When the Queen ascended the throne, Prince Philip did not become King or King Consort – instead, the correct title for a reigning monarch’s husband is Prince Consort. Because the title of king is only given to a man who inherits the throne and reigns as ruler. * 24royal.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
Headline list image: © Stephen Lock / Imago
