While the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are about marking the historic achievement of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, beyond the fanfare there is also a sense of transition and looking forward to the future of the monarchy.
This tone was set back in February when the Queen, who is now 96, released a statement on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen made it clear that it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, would be known as Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall married in 2005 and Camilla has largely won over her detractors in the intervening years.
Released on the 5 February, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of her accession which took place on 6 February 1952, the Queen’s message said: “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.”
“Queen Consort” refers to the spouse of a ruling King. Once Prince Charles becomes King, this would mean that Camilla would take the title Queen Camilla.
The announcement took some by surprise as initially it was believed Camilla would go on to be known as Princess Consort. This was in part because of the perception that she was viewed unfavourably by the public, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.
The Queen’s intervention on this matter and endorsement of Camilla means that the Duchess of Cornwall will be able to take on a full royal role alongside Charles when he becomes King.
Royal observers said it was the Queen’s way of setting out the future and clearing up any ambiguity for when she is no longer the monarch.
With regard to a man marrying a reigning queen, their title will be “Prince Consort”. The only way for a man to become king is to inherit the title.
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, however, chose not to take the title of Prince Consort.
Congratulating the Queen on her “remarkable achievement of serving this nation”, Prince Charles said: “We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish.
“As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.”
A Clarence House spokesman said at the time that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were “touched and honoured” by the announcement.
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