The Queen Released a Statement Saying Camilla Will Become Queen
It’s a historic, modern step for the monarchy.
On the even of her Accession Day, the Queen released a statement saying that it was her wish that Duchess Camilla, second wife of Prince Charles, be called ‘Queen’ when Charles takes the throne. The gesture is seen as a modernization gesture for the monarchy, and a recognition of the Queen’s respect for Camilla, despite a rocky beginning to her marriage with Charles.
So why is this such a big deal that the Queen felt the need to announce it? Historically, the wife of the king is known as “Queen consort,” a title that the Duchess of Cornwall was fully allowed to use when she and Charles married in 2005. But, per CNN, Prince Charles and Camilla were cognizant of the public adoration for Princess Diana, and so Camilla adopted the “Princess Consort” title to make sure she wasn’t accidentally stepping on Diana’s legacy. It was, until yesterday, likely the title she would use even after Charles became king.
The Queen’s statement has been called a “bombshell,” getting a 10pm release the night before Accession Day. “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,” her statement said. “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.”
Dr. Andrew Lownie, royal author of the book The Traitor King, was quoted by the Mirror saying, “Camilla has earned her spurs. The Queen, who wouldn’t have Camilla in the room at one point, has become very fond of her.”
In some ways, it is the apex of the transition that Camilla made from the person Diana called in an interview the third person in her marriage, to a respected member of the royal family and future Queen.
In a heartfelt response, Prince Charles joined the rest of the nation in thanking the Queen for her service and wrote that he and his wife were “deeply conscious of the hono[r] represented by my mother’s wish.”
A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse)
A photo posted by on
It may seem out-of-the-blue that the Queen would dash out such a message when all eyes were on her. After all, Camilla’s title when Charles becomes Queen seems like a housekeeping note. But the Queen’s statement, from the only person who can give out royal titles, shows that this anniversary has the Queen thinking about the future of the Firm. Mostly, it emphasizes that when Charles does become King, the family wants the transition to a new monarch to be as smooth as possible—and when better than a Platinum Jubilee to express that sentiment.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K.
"We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert
"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TV
Believe it or not.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Friend Reveals Donald Trump Once "Bombarded" the Royal With Flowers in Attempt to Pursue Her
"Trump clearly saw Diana as the ultimate trophy wife."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Charlotte Has Inherited One of Princess Diana's Favorite Passions
Talent runs in the family.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Yes, Queen Elizabeth Conducted Charles and Anne's Bath Time Wearing Her Coronation Crown
Literal Queen behavior, tbh.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Stole This Fashion Hack from Queen Elizabeth II
This is the fourth year in the row Kate has channeled the Queen's fashion sense to host the "Together at Christmas" carol service.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Queen Camilla Is "Vulnerable" Following Pneumonia Diagnosis and Her Friends Are "Extremely Concerned"
"To get pneumonia at her age is no small thing."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Philip Received a Heartbreaking Letter From His Mother Just Before She Died
Princess Alice spent the final two years of her life at Buckingham Palace.
By Amy Mackelden Published