Camilla Is Queen Consort After Elizabeth’s Dying: What to Know

Prepared for her crown. Duchess Camilla was officially named Queen Consort following the dying of Queen Elizabeth II — and Us Weekly is breaking down what the new title means.

The U.Okay. native, 75, instantly obtained the title after the queen’s death at age 96 on Thursday, September 8. When Buckingham Palace announced the late monarch’s passing, Camilla was known as the “Queen Consort” within the official assertion, whereas her husband, Prince Charles, was referred to as the “King.” The previous Prince of Wales, 73, is now styled as King Charles III.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” learn the palace’s assertion. “The King and The Queen Consort will stay at Balmoral this night and can return to London tomorrow.”

The title “Queen Consort” is historically given to wives of reigning monarchs. Earlier than Camilla, the latest girl to carry the title was Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mom, who was the mom of Elizabeth II and married to Elizabeth’s father, King George VI. The Queen Mom died in 2002 at age 101.

Whereas wives of kings are generally known as Queens Consort, husbands of queens are referred to as Princes Consort, which is why Prince Philip was not referred to as King Consort throughout his marriage to Elizabeth. Queens and Princes Consort additionally would not have Roman numerals after their names as sovereigns do.

As for what duties the position entails, there is no such thing as a official job description, however the Queen Consort is predicted to supply help for the monarch all through his reign. Camilla has already been doing this for years, supporting charities and accompanying Charles on royal excursions, so in that respect, her position gained’t change very a lot.

Earlier than she handed away, Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch within the U.Okay.’s historical past, celebrating together with her Platinum Jubilee festivities in June. Whereas marking her 70 years on the throne months prior, the queen announced her plans for the way forward for the monarchy — and her intention for Camilla’s future title.

“When, within the fullness of time, my son Charles turns into King, I do know you’ll give him and his spouse Camilla the identical help that you’ve given me,” the sovereign famous in a February assertion. “And it’s my honest want that, when that point comes, Camilla can be generally known as Queen Consort as she continues her personal loyal service.”

Charles and Camilla thanked Elizabeth for her type phrases on the time, writing in a press release of their very own: “We’re deeply acutely aware of the honour represented by my mom’s want. As we have now sought collectively to serve and help Her Majesty and the folks of our communities, my darling spouse has been my very own steadfast help all through.”

A number of months later, Camilla opened up about learning to “rise above” the negative criticism she’s confronted all through her time as a member of the royal household. “Oh, I shall keep on as a lot as I can,” she advised British Vogue in June. “You’ll be able to’t desert issues that you just’re in the midst of. There’s loads of issues to be finished nonetheless.”

Camilla was named Duchess of Cornwall when she and Charles tied the knot in 2005. The queen was initially “skeptical” of the newcomer, a supply completely advised Us Weekly in February, however the women improved their “challenging” relationship over time.

“By means of her dedication and loyalty to The Agency, she has greater than proved to her that she has what it takes,” the insider added. “Camilla has undoubtedly grown on Elizabeth II, extra so than ever through the [coronavirus] pandemic. She actually upped her sport and willingly took a hands-on method with further duties.”

A second supply advised Us on the time that Charles was “over the moon” that his partner earned his mom’s approval. Camilla, for her half, told reporters during a royal engagement in February that she felt “very, very honored and really touched” to tackle the position.

Quickly after the ascension day, both Charles and Camilla tested positive for COVID-19. Us later confirmed that the queen was being monitored since she had been in shut contact together with her son. The palace introduced on February 20 that the queen had a “mild” case of the virus and can be following the steerage of healthcare professionals all through her restoration.

Elizabeth’s well being continued to draw attention in Could after she pulled out of the annual opening ceremony of British Parliament, which Charles and Camilla attended in her place. One month later, Her Royal Highness skipped the Service of Thanksgiving related together with her Platinum Jubilee celebrations after experiencing “discomfort” on the Trooping the Color. Nonetheless, she made a surprise appearance on the palace balcony for the Jubilee Pageant because the festivities got here to an finish.

Together with Charles, Elizabeth shared sons Prince Andrew and Prince Edward together with her late husband, Philip, who died in April 2021 at age 99. The couple, who have been married for greater than 70 years, additionally shared daughter Princess Anne. Eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren full the royal household tree.