"Queen Consort": Prince Charles responds to Her Majesty's announcement
Prince Charles has responded with a sweet tribute to his “darling wife” Camilla after it was announced she would receive the title of Queen when he ascends the throne.
In an address marking her Accession Day, Queen Elizabeth II said it was her “sincere wish” that the Duchess of Cornwall be known as the Queen Consort, as reported by The Sun.
When Charles and Camilla married in a private ceremony in April 2005, it was announced she would receive the lesser title of Princess Consort when Charles became King.
At the time royal officials believed there was too much public animosity towards Camilla following the death of Diana.
The surprise change came as Her Majesty celebrated exactly 70 years on the throne on Sunday.
In return, Prince Charles thanked his wife for her “steadfast support” and expressed his gratitude to the monarch in a message addressing her Platinum Jubilee.
“On this historic day, my wife and I join you all in congratulating Her Majesty The Queen on the remarkable achievement of serving this nation, the realms and Commonwealth for seventy years,” he said.
“The Queen’s devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.
“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.
“The year of this unprecedented Platinum Jubilee brings an opportunity for us all to come together in celebrating the service of The Queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come.”
Royal sources said it was the Queen’s wish for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort in recognition of her hard work and the happiness she has brought her son.
The Duchess of Cornwall’s stepsons William and Harry have also been told the news, with sources close to William saying he and Charles had spoken about the change recently and revealing that “William was fine with it”.
Meanwhile, some fear Harry, who has been critical of Charles’ shortcomings as a father, may launch attacks against Charles and Camilla in his upcoming biography.
The Queen announced the change as part of the address she made during a reception at Sandringham House, Norfolk, at her first engagement celebrating her Platinum Jubilee.
“Tomorrow, 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,” she wrote in her message.
“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.
“As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for.
“These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefitted us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.
“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 mother perform during my father’s reign.
This photograph has been released to mark Accession Day 2022: the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s reign and the start of her #PlatinumJubilee year. #HM70 pic.twitter.com/Ars3zaPusT
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 6, 2022
“This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in the country and around the world over these years.”
One source stressed that the decision to change Camilla’s title was entirely “Her Majesty’s wish”.
“She’s spent 70 years on the throne and it’s pretty clear what she does and doesn’t want.”
Another source said: “It is clear the Duchess and Queen have a good relationship. Her Majesty recognises all Camilla has done and the positive impact she has on Charles.”
Image: Getty Images