‘When the time comes, I know you will give Charles and Camilla the same support you have given me’
On eve of jubilee, Queen announces Camilla will be Queen Consort after her death
PRINCE Charles’ wife Camilla will be crowned Queen Consort when her husband becomes king, it has been confithe first time.
Queen Elizabeth confirmed the Duchess of Cornwall’s future status in a historic platinum jubilee statement late last night, ending years of uncertainty over the matter.
In her surprise announcement, the Queen declared it was her ‘sincere wish’ for her daughter-in-law to be fully acknowledged when Charles succeeds her. She issued the message, shoring up her support for her heir and his wife, as she today marks a milestone 70 years on the throne.
The statement also quashed speculation that the 95-year-old monarch might abdicate, as she reiterated her coronation pledge. She told the British people: ‘my life will always be devoted to your service’ and that she would continue to honour that ‘with all my heart’. In her message to the nation – signed ‘Your Servant, Elizabeth R’ – the Queen said: ‘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.’
It is the clearest sign yet not just of the Queen’s unswerving support for her daughter-in-law but proof of her enduring affection for the woman who has secured her eldest son’s happiness. Crucially, the official statement, written in Sandringham, overturns previous palace guidance that Camilla would only ever be known as ‘princess consort’.
Announcing the Prince of Wales’s engagement in February 2005, two months before their wedding, a palace statement said: ‘It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort when the Prince of Wales accedes to the throne.’
Princess Diana would have automatically been granted the title Queen Consort had she had lived and the couple stayed married. But it was never certain that, as his second wife, Camilla would acquire the same title.
The Queen has always been keen to sanction the union and gave a warm speech on Charles and Camilla’s wedding day, telling guests: ‘My son is home and dry with the woman he loves.’
Camilla’s biographer, Penny Junor, said the Queen’s endorsement was ‘a hugely significant moment’ for the duchess.
‘This is brilliant news because if this is the Queen’s wish, then I don’t think people will question it,’ she said. ‘The Duchess of Cornwall thoroughly deserves the title. She will not overshadow Charles when he becomes king but she will be the strength behind the throne, giving him the confidence and courage he needs.’
And royal historian Hugo Vickers said: ‘Making it clear that Camilla should be queen is not just a wise and generous decision, it is a master stroke and typical of a thoughtful sovereign. The timing has great symbolism. This is an important moment for the monarchy.’
Yesterday’s message was released after the Queen appeared at her first public event since October.
She laughed and chatted to guests as she hosted a tea party at Sandringham for community groups. Today will be a time of ‘private reflection’, according to sources. She will remember not only her father, George VI, who died on this day in 1952, but also the Duke of Edinburgh, who died last April in the 74th year of their marriage.
The Queen’s statement said: ‘February 6 marks the 70th anniversary of my Accession in 1952. It is a day that, even after 70 years, I still remember as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign. As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life
will always be devoted to your service.’
After reflecting on the progress of the last 70 years, the Queen added: ‘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.’
She also thanked all those people who had shown her goodwill and support over the years, writing: ‘I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.’
In vowing her continued service, the Queen was echoing sentiments she expressed on her 21st birthday.
Four years before she became Queen, she said: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’
Her message last night concluded: ‘I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign. Your Servant, Elizabeth R.’