In what some describe as a royal “PR issue”, Prince Charles is campaigning for Camilla to become Queen when he ascends the British throne.
According to Marie Claire, although the wife of a king in the UK is typically given the title of “Queen Consort”, there are PR issues surrounding Prince Charles and Camilla’s marriage (they are both divorced and known for their very public affair) which made it more prudent to reserve the title of Princess for Camilla for when her husband becomes King.
At the moment, Camilla is known as the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess of Wales title was reserved for Princess Diana out of respect. However, at the time of their wedding in 2005, it was clarified that Camilla will not be named Queen once Prince Charles becomes king.
After much speculation, Clarence House issued a statement in 2020 clarifying people’s doubts:
“The intention is for the Duchess to be known as Princess Consort when the Prince accedes to the throne. This was announced at the time of the marriage, and there has been absolutely no change at all.”
Reportedly Prince Charles’ two sons, William and Harry, are tired of their father campaigning for Camilla to be given this higher honour.
Newsweek quoted a YouGov poll that shows only 13% of people in the UK would want Camilla to be Queen consort, compared to 41% wanting her to be Princess Consort.
Royal biographer Penny Junor, on the other hand, is all for Camilla being named queen. “I think she should be Queen,” she said. “There’s no reason on earth why she shouldn’t be. They were both divorcees and the past was unfortunate. It happened. All over the world people divorce, they make mistakes and they divorce.
“She’s been married to him 16 years. She has been a superb duchess. She has slowly, slowly worked her way into the role. There’s no sense that she’s in competition with him. She’s put her name to some very brave causes.”
Sources: MSN, The World News
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