“Princess Consort”
That was the anticipated title for Camilla due to the “complexities” surrounding her marriage to Prince Charles. The compromise was to designate her as Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales and to refer to her as Princess Consort rather than Queen when Charles became King. This decision was influenced by concerns about her age, public opinion, and potential backlash. Despite this, Camilla’s motivations for marriage were not driven by titles or material gains but rather by love and support for Prince Charles. She acknowledged her limitations in keeping up with his duties and pace due to her age, revealing a genuine commitment to their relationship.
As time passed, Camilla gradually assumed increasing responsibilities within the royal family. She embraced a growing involvement with numerous charities, undertook additional public duties, and expanded her role in serving the public. As she dedicated herself to these endeavors, the public perception towards her began to shift positively. Over time, through her active participation and commitment to various causes and engagements, Camilla earned greater acceptance and respect from the public, solidifying her place within the royal circle.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s statement on February 6, 2022, in which she expressed her wish for Camilla to be recognized as Queen Consort when her son Charles ascends to the throne, the debate surrounding Camilla’s future title was settled. The Queen’s heartfelt request for public support and acknowledgment of Camilla’s loyal service made it clear that when the time comes for Charles to become King, Camilla would indeed be known as Queen.
Some individuals were displeased when the palace transitioned from using “Queen Consort” to simply “Queen” after the coronation, which is the tradition (for instance, Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra). However, following the news of the King’s cancer treatment, Camilla has notably risen to the occasion, embodying the essence of the monarchy in a manner that surpasses what a Princess Consort could achieve. So, let us conclude with the sentiments: “God save the King and God bless the Queen.”