The Duchess of Cornwall will be known as Queen Camilla when her son, Charles, becomes King, Queen Elizabeth said on the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
The 95-year-old monarch is commemorating her Platinum Jubilee by defining her family's roles and laying the groundwork for the monarchy's future. The Queen's letter today is probably being sent with the approval of Charles and Prince William, who will succeed his father as King when he dies. However, only the Queen has the authority to award royal titles.
Princess Diana, Charles' former wife and mother of his two sons, has long cast a shadow over Camilla's status.
Despite possessing the right to the title of Queen, when Charles married Camilla in 2005, the couple stated Camilla would be known as "Princess Consort." Camilla also avoids referring to herself as Princess of Wales, a respect to Diana's legacy.
"I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your help. "I will be eternally grateful for and humbled by your continued loyalty and affection," the Queen added. "And I know you will give my son Charles and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me when the time comes; and it is my honest intention that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she is now."
According to a spokeswoman, Prince Charles and Camilla were "moved and honoured" by Her Majesty's words on Saturday.
