The prospect of Camilla being known as 'The Queen' instead of 'Queen Consort' is a "question for the future", a spokesman for King Charles has said. Camilla has taken on her new role as her husband has acceded to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
However, at Charles' coronation Camilla will be crowned at his side. And as his wife she is technically Her Majesty The Queen, but in briefings and statements Buckingham Palace has referred to her as Queen Consort.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt told the PA news agency that royal officials were being cautious. “Despite all of the progress so far, royal officials – perhaps mindful of the Diana legacy – continue to be cautious about the precise nature of Camilla’s new status,” he said.
“They prefer to focus on the fact she’s the consort of a king. The reality is that Camilla is a Queen and Queen Camilla will be crowned at her husband’s coronation.”
A spokesman for the King said: “The King and Queen Consort are focused on getting through those next 10 days. I think those who saw the Queen Consort yesterday movingly meeting people outside Buckingham Palace know how moved she is at the moment and that’s her focus so that will be a question for the future.”
On the eve of her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022, Queen Elizabeth set the transition in motion by outlining Camilla's new 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.
Camilla later said she felt “very honoured and very touched”. The public mood towards the former Mrs Parker Bowles has softened since she came in for public criticism as news of her affair with Charles emerged during the breakdown of his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales.
It was once thought that Camilla would be known as Princess Consort when Charles became king. But any mention of 'Princess Consort' was removed from Charles' website in 2018.
