Queen Camilla’s role within the British royal family continues to evolve in the modern era. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, King Charles III ascended to the throne and Camilla became Queen Consort. This title, specifically endorsed by the late Queen herself in her Platinum Jubilee statement, confirmed Camilla’s position as a key part of the monarchy’s streamlined future.
Verified Sources:
- Royal.uk – Queen Consort Camilla
- BBC News – The Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla
- Reuters – Charles and Camilla’s Coronation
- The Guardian – Monarchy’s Future
From Duchess of Cornwall to Queen Consort
Camilla married then-Prince Charles in 2005, assuming the title of Duchess of Cornwall. For years, questions circulated about what title she would use once Charles became king.
In February 2022, Queen Elizabeth II addressed these questions in a historic message marking her Platinum Jubilee, stating she wished for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort when Charles acceded to the throne.
This declaration was widely interpreted as a sign of the late Queen’s personal endorsement, reflecting how Camilla had earned public and institutional acceptance over many years of steady, low-key service.
Source: Royal.uk
Coronation and Official Status
On 6 May 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned together in Westminster Abbey during Britain’s first coronation in 70 years. Camilla was anointed and crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown in a ceremony watched by millions worldwide.
Her role as Queen Consort is not equal in constitutional authority to that of the Sovereign. Instead, it is a supporting role that carries ceremonial duties, public engagements, and charitable patronages.
Sources:
- BBC News
- Reuters
What Does “Queen Consort” Mean?
A Queen Consort is the spouse of a reigning king. Unlike a Queen Regnant (such as Elizabeth II), she does not rule in her own right. Instead, the Queen Consort’s role is to support the king, represent the monarchy at public events, and champion charitable causes.
Queen Camilla has taken on over 100 patronages, with particular focus on literacy, osteoporosis awareness (a personal cause given her family’s experience), animal welfare, and domestic abuse charities.
Sources:
- Royal.uk – The Queen Consort
- The Guardian – Monarchy’s Modernization
A Leaner, Modern Monarchy
King Charles III has long signaled a vision for a “slimmed-down” monarchy with fewer working royals and a tighter focus on service. This concept involves clearer roles for senior royals such as Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Catherine), and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.
Princess Anne, in particular, is renowned for her tireless work ethic and high number of engagements each year. Together, these senior royals form the public face of the monarchy while balancing tradition with evolving public expectations.
Sources:
- BBC News – Charles’s Vision for the Monarchy
- The Guardian – King Charles’s Modern Approach
Camilla’s Public Duties
Since becoming Queen Consort, Camilla has maintained a busy schedule of official engagements, charity visits, and ceremonial roles. She is patron or president of numerous organizations, ranging from animal shelters to literacy charities and women’s health initiatives.
In addition to her public work, Camilla often supports King Charles at state events, such as state banquets, remembrance ceremonies, and diplomatic receptions.
Sources:
- Royal.uk – The Queen Consort
- BBC News
What Happens to Queen Camilla’s Title When William Becomes King?
When King Charles III eventually passes away, his heir, Prince William, will become king. Under established royal tradition and protocol, Camilla will then assume the title of Queen Dowager.
The Queen Dowager is the widow of a deceased king. While she would retain the style of “Her Majesty,” she would no longer be Queen Consort, as that title is reserved for the reigning king’s spouse.
A historical example is Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the widow of King George VI, who supported her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, for decades.
Sources:
- BBC History
- Royal.uk
Future Role and Public Support
Public attitudes toward Camilla have transformed significantly over the past two decades. While once controversial, she has worked diligently to build trust and respect, culminating in her coronation alongside Charles.
Opinion polls indicate growing acceptance of her role. Surveys conducted around the time of the coronation showed a majority of Britons supported Camilla being called Queen Consort, reflecting the late Queen’s wishes and Camilla’s steady dedication to duty.
Sources:
- YouGov Polling
- BBC News
Conclusion
Queen Camilla’s role as Queen Consort represents a carefully planned evolution in the monarchy’s modern history. Endorsed by Queen Elizabeth II, crowned alongside King Charles III, and integrated into a streamlined royal team with Princess Anne, Prince William, and Princess Catherine, Camilla’s duties underscore the balance between tradition and modern service.
When Prince William eventually succeeds to the throne, Camilla will become Queen Dowager—a respected role honoring her service and partnership with King Charles.
Far from being sidelined or excluded, Camilla’s position reflects the continuity and stability that the monarchy seeks to project in the 21st century, with a clear plan for succession, roles, and public service.
