Since her marriage to the then-Prince Charles in 2005, much speculation has surrounded Camilla’s official royal title.
And now, with King Charles’ formal coronation scheduled to take place on May 6, increasing focus has been placed on exactly what title his wife will inherit.
From Princess Consort to Queen Camilla, we took a deep dive into every possible name that was floated for the King’s wife, and the meaning behind each one.
Will Camilla be known as Queen Camilla now?
Yes, Camilla will now be known as Queen Camilla after Queen Elizabeth gave her blessing for this in early 2022, as is standard under British law.
In the months following Queen Elizabeth’s death, the palace was referring to Camilla as Queen Consort in order to assist in differentiating between the two female leaders, according to Tatler.
Now, with the coronation imminent, the palace has begun referring to Camilla as “Queen Camilla,” as per her title on the official coronation invitation. The publication also reported that all former Queen Consorts have had “Consort” omitted from their title, to be known as “Queen” plus their first name instead.
When will Camilla be crowned Queen?
Camilla will be officially crowned a Queen alongside Prince Charles at his official Coronation, on May 6, 2023.
The last British Queen Consort was Elizabeth, who was the wife of King George VI. When he passed away and her daughter was crowned Queen Elizabeth II, she took the title of Queen Mother.
Was Camilla always going to be known as Queen Camilla?
When Charles and Camilla married, it was made known to the public that, when the time came for Charles to second the throne, Camilla’s official title would be Princess Consort.
This was the result of widespread public opinion that followed Princess Diana’s bombshell interview with BBC’s Martin Bashir, where she revealed that there were “three of us in this marriage,” referring to Charles’ affair with Parker Bowles.
Two years after Diana’s death, Charles and Camilla went public with their relationship. Public backlash was naturally rife, with tabloids painting Camilla as a deceitful, unlikeable person.
But by the mid-2000s, things started to change. For one, the royal family themselves appeared to give their public support for the couple, with the Queen attending a lunch with them for the first time in 2005, and Prince Harry, who was in his twenties at the time, describing her as a “wonderful woman”.
“She’s made our father very, very happy, which is the most important thing William and I love her to bits,” he added.
This, along with a “concerted effort” to rehabilitate Camilla’s image has led to a widespread shift in public opinion.
“There was a concerted effort to rehabilitate Camilla’s reputation, but she also did that herself by how she approached her situation and over time we have seen the public’s perception of her really change,” said Victoria Murphy, a royal expert and ABC News royal contributor.
When was it decided that Camilla would be known as Queen Camilla?
Queen Elizabeth gave her son’s wife her official blessing in a message published for her 70th accession day in February 2022, where she state it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla be given the Queen title.
“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,” she said.
With the Queen’s blessing sealing the deal, Camilla told the media, “Well of course it’s a great honour.”
No doubt about that—it seems the Queen Consort has officially stepped up.
For more rolling coverage on Queen Elizabeth II’s death, follow the links below:
Queen Elizabeth II Has Died: A Look Back At Her History Making Tenure
Here’s What Happens Next In The Wake Of The Queen’s Passing
Here’s Why Reporters Changed Into Black Outfits Before Announcing Queen Elizabeth II’s Death
Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral: Every Royal Event Happening In The Coming Days
A Brief History Of Queen Elizabeth II And Her 89 Year Long Royal Clan Of Corgis
Every Time The Royal Family Have Turned To Queen Elizabeth’s Vintage Wardrobe
The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wore Mint Green For Special Occasions
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