The Queen has annnounced Camilla will take on the Queen title when Prince Charles ascends the throne.
The 95-year-old revealed the news in an address marking the anniversary of her taking the throne after her father died on February 6, 1952.
For several years, royal experts claimed Camilla intended to take on the title of Princess Consort when Charles became king.
However, in the surprising announcement, the Queen revealed it is her wish for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort.
The Queen wrote: "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.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have said they are "touched and honoured" by the Queen's words.
A spokesman for Charles said: “The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are touched and honoured by Her Majesty’s words.”
A royal consort is the spouse of a serving monarch and the main duty of these individuals is to provide support and companionship.
Throughout history, those in the role have held considerable influence - most famously Prince Albert when he served as Prince Consort to Queen Victoria.
The previous Queen Consort was The Queen Mother.
The Queen’s heartfelt announcement added: "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 spoke of a “sense of hope and optimism” in her Platinum Jubilee year and thanked “people of all nationalities, faiths and ages” for the goodwill and support they had expressed.
It will be the first year she recognises the occasion without her husband by her side.
The Queen wrote fondly of her late husband saying: “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... a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.”
Historian Dr Ed Owens, the author of The Family Firm, said: “This is about the Queen trying to legitimise the succession.
"With it appearing that it is the Queen’s wish, as opposed to Charles’ wish, it confers legitimacy on Camilla as a successor Queen. It’s a very smart PR move on the part of the Palace.”
