However, the mood of the British public has gradually softened since Charles married Parker Bowles in 2005. With her humble demeanor and sense of humor throughout her years of attending to her royal duties,
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A picture released in London on February 4, 2022, and taken last month, shows Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stroking Candy, her a Dorgi dog, as she looks at a display of memorabilia from her Golden and Platinum Jubilees, in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, west of London. - Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 2022, becomes the first British monarch to reign for 70 years, heralding the start of her Platinum Jubilee year despite her retreat from public view. But the landmark date this weekend will see little fanfare, as the 95-year-old monarch traditionally spends the anniversary of the death of her father in private.
The British and the Commonwealth public under the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II has focused on the Queen's announcement referring to the future status of Camilla Parker Bowles, the wife of Prince Charles, as “Queen Consort”.
Public perception of Parker Bowles as the "third person" in the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, who later divorced before Princess Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris in 1997, had been evident. It took the British public years to forgive Prince Charles and Parker Bowles over their perceived infidelity.
However, the mood of the British public has gradually softened since Charles married Parker Bowles in 2005. With her humble demeanor and sense of humor throughout her years of attending to her royal duties, including her involvement in more than 100 charities, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has captured the hearts of the British public.
In fact, Queen Elizabeth II's heart had also softened. The 95-year-old queen, on a special day to celebrate the 70th anniversary of her accession the throne, gave her consent that Camilla, 74, would become Queen Consort when Charles, 73, became King.
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.
”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,” the Queen wrote in paragraph five of her letter dated 5 Feb. 2022 on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.
At the time of their marriage, it had been decided that Camilla would use the formal title “Princess Consort” if Charles became King, and Queen Elizabeth II used the term “Princess Consort” to refer to Camilla.
While referring to a spouse of a ruling King, “Princess Consort”, unlike “Queen Consort”, is not on an equal footing with “King”. A different practice applies to male spouses of the monarch, who are not called “King Consort” but “Prince Consort”.
The Queen’s announcement that Camilla could become queen is the culmination of her acceptance of her daughter-in-law. Earlier, the Queen appointed Camilla to be a member of the Privy Council, consisting of royal and public figures as an advisory committee to the monarch.
Daniel LEAL/AFP
Red London buses pass by, as images of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II are displayed on the big digital screens at Piccadilly Circus in central London on February 6, 2022, to mark the start of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee Year. - Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday becomes the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, in a bittersweet landmark as she also marked the 70th anniversary of her father's death.
In early 2022, Camilla was inducted into 24-strong Order of the Garter. It is the British monarch’s most senior order of knighthood. Founded in the 14th century by Edward III along with 24 nobles, the group comprises the most loyal and devoted nobles of the kingdom.
Although Camilla has now been conferred the title Queen Consort, it is not known whether Camilla will actually become queen. She will turn 75 in July, while Charles will be 74 in November.
In order for Camilla to become queen, Charles must first become King. Charles' accession to the throne depends on two possible outcomes: Queen Elizabeth II abdicates or dies.
Apart from several treatments for her health, Queen Elizabeth II is physically fit for a person at her age of 95 years and 10 months. She also shows no intention of abdicating the throne.
Royal succession
When she married Charles, Camilla announced that she did not wish to be called either “Princess” or “Queen” if Charles became King. She became the Duchess of Cornwall on marrying Charles, who is the Duke of Cornwall.
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.
Charles thanked the queen for her announcement. "We are deeply conscious of the honor represented by my mother's wish," he said in a statement. "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.”
Historian Robert Lacey viewed the announcement regarding Camilla's status as part of the Queen's plan to ensure the continuity of the British monarchy. He said the Queen was a realist and had a business to run.
AFP/Joe Giddens/Pool
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (C) talks to pensioners from the Sandringham Estate during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence on February 5, 2022, as she celebrates the start of the Platinum Jubilee. - Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday will became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, in a bittersweet landmark as she also marked the 70th anniversary of her father's death.
“Well, they call it ‘The Firm’, don’t they? And this really brings Camilla into the firm properly, now and for the future,” said Lacey.
The term "the Firm" is used to refer to the royal family. Last Sunday, the British kingdom also released the latest portrait of a smiling Queen Elizabeth II. (AP/AFP/REUTERS/RAZ/SAM)
