The Queen confirms Camilla will be Queen Consort

Her Majesty said it was her sincere wish that the Duchess of Cornwall be acknowledged as Queen Consort in an address commemorating her Accession Day. In April 2005, Charles and Camilla married in a secret civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, and she was awarded the title, Princess Consort. Following Diana's death, royal officials feared there was too much public resentment towards Camilla.

Her Majesty's unexpected and enormously significant intervention came on the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In a letter commemorating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Prince of Wales expressed his appreciation and praised his wife's steadfast support.

Darling wife

According to royal sources, Camilla wants to be known as Queen Consort in honour of her hard work and the joy she has brought to her son. The good news was shared with the Duchess of Cornwall's stepsons, William and Harry. On this occasion, Prince Charles said,

On this historic day, my wife and I join you all in congratulating Her Majesty The Queen on the remarkable achievement of serving this nation, the realms and Commonwealth for seventy years.

As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.

The year of this unprecedented Platinum Jubilee brings an opportunity for us all to come together in celebrating the service of The Queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come.

The Queen had planned to announce Camilla's new title at the 50th anniversary of Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales in 2019. Reportedly, the Queen made the decision and timed the announcement herself.

Camilla, Queen Consort

When she was married to King George VI, the Queen Mother was known as the Queen Consort. Queen Regnum is the title of the reigning Queen. The Queen said in a statement announcing her ascension to the throne:

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.

Given that Camilla was given the lower title Princess Consort when she married Charles 17 years ago, the honour marks a major U-turn. The Queen hosted a reception at Sandringham House in Norfolk yesterday, marking the start of her Platinum Jubilee tour. In the morning, her address was finalised. Camilla's diligence is claimed to have impressed the Queen. She was promoted to Privy Councillor in June 2016. Camilla was also awarded the Order of the Garter by the Queen last month