The Queen has used the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne to announce that she wants her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall, to be known as Queen when Prince Charles becomes King.
In a message marking her Platinum Jubilee, the 95-year-old monarch said it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla would have that title.
Clarence House had always previously insisted that when the time comes, Camilla would use the ‘Princess Consort’ title rather than that of Queen.
A spokesman for Charles and Camilla said were “touched and honoured” by the Queen’s words.
In her message to mark her 70 year reign, The Queen says: “It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort.”
When the Prince of Wales married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, Clarence House said at the time that she would be styled as Princess Consort when Charles becomes monarch rather than Queen Consort
Similarly, she was made Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales upon her marriage 17 years ago.
Clarence House’s most recent rebuttal was in 2020 when a spokesperson said “there has been absolutely no change at all” to plans for Her Royal Highness to become Princess Consort.
The Queen’s Accession Day Speech in full:
‘Tomorrow, 6th February, marks the 70th anniversary of my Accession in 1952. 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.
As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service.
As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for.
These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefitted us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.
I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family. 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. It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.
This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years. I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support.
I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me. And 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.
And so as I look forward to continuing to serve you with all my heart, I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign.’
Your Servant
Elizabeth R.”
