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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Camilla's forgotten grand title - and why she's refused to use it for over a decade

With the backing of the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall's future title of Queen Consort has almost been assured.

In a statement on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty expressed her "sincere wish" for Camilla to use the Queen title when the time comes for her husband Prince Charles to become King.

It marked a turnaround from Charles and Camilla's wedding day in 2005 when Buckingham Palace released a statement saying she intended to use the unprecedented style of Princess Consort when her husband was King.

In that same statement 17 years ago, it was also confirmed that going forward Camilla would go by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who has a royal title that she doesn't use (PA)

And this is despite being entitled to use a much grander sounding title - but she chose not to.

As Charles is the Prince of Wales, Camilla technically gets the title of Princess of Wales.

The last person to use the title Princess of Wales was Charles' late former wife Princess Diana.

It is believed that Camilla decided against using the title out of respect for Diana - and to avoid any tension or ill-feeling from the public, as many had unfavourable opinions of her.

Charles and Camilla on their wedding day in 2005 (Getty Images)

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But royal historian Marlene Koenig writes on her blog Royal Musings : "Camilla is HRH The Princess of Wales, but she is styled as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

"I believe the decision to use Cornwall was done to appease the Dianamanics. I think it is silly to not style Camilla as HRH The Princess of Wales."

Princess Diana was the last person to use the Princess of Wales title (Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, one royal who is likely to be the next woman to be styled Princess of Wales is the Duchess of Cambridge.

When Charles becomes King, Prince William will become the heir to the throne and will probably take on the title The Prince of Wales.

It is not a given that William will get the title, as it has to be bestowed upon the heir by the monarch.

However, experts predict it is more than likely that Charles will pass on his title to William.

If this happens, Kate would automatically become the Princess of Wales.

And according to a source, if and when this is to happen, it would be an emotional moment for William.

They told the Telegraph : "I’m sure it’ll be a bit of a bittersweet moment.

"This is her son and his wife, so in some ways, it will be coming full circle—but it will also be a poignant reminder of what we all lost."

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