Queen Elizabeth Says Camilla Will One Day Be Queen

During Queen Elizabeth II’s public Platinum Jubilee message yesterday, Her Majesty addressed the future of the monarchy while marking the 70th anniversary of her reign. She also voiced her support for Camilla, Prince Charles’s wife who is currently the Duchess of Cornwall. The Queen confirmed that Camilla will be known as Queen Camilla when Charles becomes King (though she assured viewers she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and is looking forward “to continuing to serve you with all my heart”).

When Charles becomes King, Queen Elizabeth stated that Camilla should be known as “Queen Consort” (a consort is the partner of the ruling monarch). The Queen said in her statement, “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 times comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.” Her Majesty is the only person who can define such royal titles.

Camilla and Charles married in 2005, and the announcement is something of a turning point given the couple’s sensitive history with the royal family. Until now, it was believed Camilla would hold a “Princess Consort” title when Charles became King, a move reportedly out of respect for the late Princess Diana, who once would have held the Queen title. Diana, the Princess of Wales, was killed in a car crash in 1997; Charles and Camilla were romantically involved during his marriage to Diana.

With this weekend’s announcement, however, it’s clear that the Queen is ready for the public to accept Camilla as a central figure in the royal family, despite years of scrutiny from the press and citizens alike. Many have blamed Camilla for the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage; in an infamous 1995 interview, Diana herself said, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”

Camilla has worked hard to increase her favorability since becoming a royal. In addition to being the patron to around 100 different charities and organizations, she is also an advocate for literacy and campaigns against domestic violence. In December, the Queen also appointed Camilla as a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the most senior order of knighthood in the British honors system. Of the recent news, a spokesperson for Charles and Camilla said the couple was “touched and honored by Her Majesty’s words.”