The Debate Over Camilla’s Title: Queen or Queen Consort, Explained
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the world's attention turned to the British monarchy and the line of succession. As Prince Charles prepares to ascend to the throne, questions have arisen about the title his wife, Camilla, will hold.
Will she be known as Queen or Queen Consort? This article explores the controversy surrounding Camilla's royal title and sheds light on the differences between the two titles.
Royal Titles Are Confusing
The royal family in the UK is a treasure trove of complicated titles with a rich history that dates back centuries. From the sovereign to the youngest prince or princess, every member of the royal family has a unique title that reflects their place in the hierarchy.
But with so many different titles and rules to follow, it's no wonder that the world of royal titles can be tough to understand.
No Stranger To Controversy
For example, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, they retained their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they agreed not to use their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) styles and to no longer represent the Crown in an official capacity.
But Harry and Meghan aren't the only ones whose title choices have caused controversy.
A Media Spectacle
The use and interpretation of royal titles and styles have always been a subject of fascination and scrutiny. Some argue that titles are a symbol of power and privilege, while others see them as a way to preserve tradition and heritage.
Whatever the case may be, the decisions made by members of the royal family regarding their titles and styles often attract media attention and public opinion.
Camilla's Worthiness Questioned
Camilla, who has been married to Prince Charles since his infamous divorce from Princess Diana, inherited a new title with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, although the specifics of that title have been hotly debated.
"I feel that Camilla shouldn't be called queen when Prince Charles becomes king. That title should've gone to Princess Diana. Camilla's not worthy. It is what it is," one fan tweeted.
Camilla And Charles' Compromise
When Camilla and Charles were wed, at the time, it was stated that "It is intended that Mrs. Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne."
Part of this was due to Camilla's unpopularity with the British public and because of Camilla's own past.
The Future Was Uncertain
Even Camilla's children were unsure what title she would eventually hold. "I honestly don't know if Mum will be called Queen. That hasn't been decided," her son said.
"There are a lot of interesting Sky documentaries about that, I'm sure, but I honestly don't know if that's true."
Camilla's Controversial Past
Part of why fans felt that Camilla should not use the title of Queen is because Camilla had been married before to Andrew Parker Bowles for 21 years. The two divorced in 1995.
Some followers of the monarchy believe that going through a divorce should disqualify Camilla from the title.
Queen Elizabeth's Wishes
Queen Elizabeth II herself spoke on the controversy surrounding Camilla's future title and declared that she had no problem with Camilla assuming the title of Queen Consort.
She stated, "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."
Camilla Begun Using Queen Consort
"It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," the Queen stated.
Following her passing, Camilla's title was changed to Queen Consort rather than Princess Consort. But fans noticed a new title being used in the invitation to Charles' coronation.
Queen Camilla?
The invitation for King Charles' coronation on May 6th refers to Camilla as Queen, stating, "The coronation of their majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla."
This move was not popular with fans of the royal family, one of whom tweeted, "Camilla is not Queen. She is Consort. It shouldn't be up to Charles."
What's The Difference?
It has to do with the political power the titles bestow on the holders.
The Queen of England is the head of state in the United Kingdom and serves as the symbolic ruler of the entire nation. As the personal representative of the nation, she wields immense power and influence, both within the UK and throughout the world.
The Queen Consort's Role
Queen Consort is a title given to the wife of a reigning king. It implies that she does not hold the power of a monarch but rather is considered the queen due to her marital status, with the power lying in the hands of her husband.
That doesn't mean the Queen Consort doesn't have a role.
Her Job Is Moral Support
While the Queen Consort does not hold a formal government position, her primary role is to "provide companionship and moral and practical support" to the reigning monarch, according to Buckingham Palace.
So why did the invitation to the coronation refer to Camilla as Queen Camilla rather than Queen Consort?
Historical Usage
It turns out that stylizing the Queen Consort as "Queen," although their official title hasn't changed, isn't uncommon.
Queen Elizabeth II's mother was Queen Consort, but she was stylized as Queen Elizabeth until her daughter became Queen. To save confusion, her mother was then referred to as The Queen Mother.
Sources Speak Out
"It made sense to refer to Her Majesty as the Queen Consort in the early months of His Majesty's reign, to distinguish from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," a palace source said of the change.
"'Queen Camilla' is the appropriate title to set against 'King Charles' on the invitation," they continued.
Historical Precedent
"The coronation is an appropriate time to start using ‘Queen Camilla’ in an official capacity," the source added. “All former Queen Consorts have been known as ‘Queen’ plus their first name.”
The Palace then confirmed that Camilla's title would be changed on the royal website, although the political power would still belong to King Charles.
A Possible Scandal
The announcement of Camilla's future title as Queen has sparked mixed reactions among the public, reflecting the ongoing controversy surrounding her relationship with Prince Charles and her role in the royal family. While some see it as a long-overdue recognition of her contributions and support for the monarchy, others view it as a betrayal of Princess Diana's legacy and a violation of traditional values.
The debate over Camilla's title and position within the royal hierarchy highlights the complex and evolving nature of the British monarchy.
Not A Popular Choice
"There will only ever be one Queen for me, it was her wish that Camilla be named Queen Consort, but again Camilla has her way," one follower of the monarchy tweeted.
"Not correct and not what our late Queen decreed. Sorry, not Queen Camila as far as I am concerned, and as for her family taking part, completely wrong," added another.
Fans Felt It Was Disrespectful
"Was it not the late queen's wishes for Camilla to be called Queen Consort? Or have I got it wrong?" one Twitter user asked.
But not everyone felt that this was interpreting what Queen Elizabeth had said about Camilla's title fairly or within the context of when she had said it.
Some Came To Camilla's Defense
"Nonsense," one Twitter user wrote. "The Queen wrote that at a time when the suggestion was that Camilla be known as Princess Consort. Instead, as Queen Consort, she'll be known as Queen Camilla, as per Adelaide, Alexandra, Mary, and Elizabeth the Queen Mother before her."
"Her Late Majesty understood that."
Some Want The Whole Thing Scrapped
"I'm not a royalist. I did, though, accept Queen Elizabeth as monarch. She reigned for many years. Her husband was called Prince Philip - not King Philip," one user tweeted.
"I can't get used to and doubt I ever will see Charles as King and his wife Camila as Queen. Please scrap the coronation."
But What About Prince Philip?
Some fans have wondered why Prince Philip was only referred to as Prince Consort and not King Consort, especially in relation to Camilla not being known as Princess Consort, but this has to do with the way the title of "king" works in the monarchy.
The title of King is only ever given to the ruling monarch if he's a man. There is no King Consort, as any king technically outranks the Queen.
A Show Of Support
Prince Philip's use of Prince Consort may also have been influenced by his desire to support his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, and avoid overshadowing her role as the sovereign.
Similarly, Camilla's choice to use the title of Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales may have been motivated by similar means.
Camilla Was Never A Princess
Camilla's use of titles has often been a source of controversy within the royal family. Before the Queen's passing, Camilla had been known as the Duchess of Cornwall instead of the Princess of Wales due to the latter being seen as Princess Diana's title.
Now Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton, is Princess Of Wales after previously being the Duchess of Cambridge.
Harry and Meghan's Kids Title Controversy
Camilla isn't the only member of the family to have controversy surrounding their titles. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle retained their Duke and Duchess title after stepping back in 2020, the story hasn't been so straightforward with their two children.
Harry and Meghan share two children, Archie and Lilibet, and their title history has raised eyebrows.
Their Son Was Title-less
When their son Archie was born in May 2019, he was not given a royal title, which sparked speculation and criticism in the media and public.
It was later revealed that the couple had chosen not to give him a title in order to provide him with a more normal upbringing and shield him from the intense media scrutiny that comes with being a royal.
Lilibet Also Had No Title
When their daughter Lilibet was born in June 2021, there was initial confusion over whether she would be given a royal title, particularly the title of Princess.
Some reports suggested that the couple had declined a title for their daughter, while others claimed that they had not been granted one by the Queen due to the couple's controversial departure from royal duties.
Master And Miss
Eventually, it was confirmed that Lilibet would not be given a royal title at the time of her birth but would be known as the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Archie and Lilibet were referred to by Master and Miss until the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Things Changed When Charles Became King
When Charles took over as king following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Archie, and Lilibet's titles were then updated on the royal family's website in the line of succession.
Sixth in line for the throne now reads Prince Archie of Sussex, and seventh in line now reads Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
Titles Change Frequently
It's clear that royal titles can change frequently and for what can seem like arbitrary reasons to those who aren't well-versed in the royal culture or in the history of the titles themselves.
While it seems clear that Camilla will be referred to as Queen going forward and that Archie and Lilibet will be a Prince and Princess, respectively, the decisions still remain controversial.
