What is a Queen Consort? Camilla's new title explained as Charles becomes King
09.09.2022 - 13:07
/ ok.co.uk
Camilla has now taken on the role of Queen Consort following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The 96 year old sovereign passed away on 8 September at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, with her eldest son Charles, 73, and his wife Camilla, 74, by her side.
With her husband, now known as King Charles III, immediately becoming the new monarch, mum-of-two Camilla, formerly known as the Duchess of Cornwall, has also been given a new title - Queen Consort. The title is given to the wife of a reigning king, with the last royal to take on the title of Queen Consort being the Queen Mother, whose husband was King George VI.
Meanwhile, husbands of reigning Queens are known as Princes Consort - for example, Prince Philip served as consort to Queen Elizabeth II. Up until 2022, it had remained uncertain as to whether Camilla would be awarded the title of Queen Consort, due to the complicated history of her and Charles' relationship, and the public's unfavourable opinion of her.
However, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession in February, she released a statement where she said it was her "sincere wish" for Camilla to take on the title when Charles takes to the throne. The Queen wrote: "And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service." OK!'s Royals Behind Closed Doors Collector's Edition, £5.99 In this special edition of OK!, we reveal the inner workings of the royal family and little-known secrets about their lives, relationships and passions.