CHARLES is now King after his mother the Queen died aged 96, following 70 years on the throne.
The former Prince of Wales, 73, is the oldest person in British history to be named monarch.
Camilla Parker-Bowles takes the title of Queen Consort – which was previously announced in Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee message.
She will be referred to as Queen Camilla now her husband has ascended to the throne, but her official title will be Queen Consort.
It was originally thought that Camilla would be 'Princess Consort' when Prince Charles became king.
This decision would have required new legislation, as the default is that the wife of the monarch becomes the Queen Consort automatically.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales was Princess Diana's former title, and in a show of respect to her, Prince Charles and Camilla decided when they married in 2005, that she would not take on the same title.
In her Platinum Jubilee message, the Queen said she "sincerely wished" for Camilla to become Queen Consort.
She said: "I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family.
"I was blessed that in Prince Philip, I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it.
"It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.
"This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years.
"I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support.
"I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.
"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."
The difference between Queen and Queen Consort is that a Queen ascends to the throne through succession.
On the other hand, a Queen Consort is the wife of the reigning monarch.
A royal consort supports the monarch in almost all of their duties – from public engagements and tours to decisions and support.
But unlike the king or queen, they do not have a formal position or set tasks and responsibilities.
Women married to a monarch have historically been crowned Queen Consort.
Such was the case for the George VI’s wife, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and for George V’s wife Queen Mary – the Queen’s grandmother.
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THE nation is in mourning after beloved Queen Elizabeth dies aged 96 – here is all you need to know about Her Majesty’s glorious life and what’s next.
The exception was Queen Mary II who, with her husband, King William III, was joint-Sovereign from 1689 to 1694.
Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert, was appointed Prince Consort 17 years after his marriage.
Victoria had wanted him to be King Consort when they married, but the then prime minister Lord Melbourne ruled it out.
The Duke of Edinburgh did not hold the title Prince Consort, having rejected the offer in the early years of the Queen’s reign.
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