Queen consort

King Charles’ wife Queen Consort Camilla. Image credit: Royal/Hugo Burnan

Royal titles: Difference between Queen and Queen Consort

Harry and Meghan’s kids have been given royal titles. While King Charles’ wife may go from Queen Consort to Queen. What’s the difference?

Queen consort

King Charles’ wife Queen Consort Camilla. Image credit: Royal/Hugo Burnan

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s two children — Archie (3) and Lilibet (1) have been given royal titles. While King Charles’ wife Camilla Parker Bowles is expected to change from Queen Consort to Queen. Here’s a look at the difference between the two titles.

Camilla took on the title of Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 — when her husband Charles became King.

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CAMILLA EXPECTED TO TAKE ON TITLE OF QUEEN

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, her eldest son was immediately titled King Charles. So, King Charles’ wife Camilla – who was previously the Duchess of Cornwall became the Queen Consort.

Queen Elizabeth II announced that Camilla will be taking on the Queen Consort title in February 2022.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” read the statement.

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Camilla was previously said to take on the title of Princess Consort when Charles became King. This was announced when the pair got engaged in 2005. However, The Daily Mail reports Camilla will be called “Queen Camilla” after King Charles coronation in May,

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUEEN AND QUEEN CONSORT

So, what is the difference between a Queen and Queen consort? Well, a queen consort is the female partner, spouse or companion to the King according to ABC News.

The consort is not a formal role but it is symbolic of the support the person gives the monarch. While the Queen is a ruler in their own right, like Queen Elizabeth II was. Before Queen Elizabeth II, the last Queen regnant was Queen Victoria. Her husband Prince Albert was a Prince Consort.

King Charles and Camilla married in a civil ceremony at Guildhall in Windsor on 9 April 2005. Camilla was previously married to army officer Andrew Parker Bowles but the pair divorced in 1995. King Charles was married to Princess Diana – the mother of his two sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

Princess Diana and King Charles announced their separation in 1992 but got formally  divorced in 1996. About a year later Princess Diana died in a car crash on 31 August 1997. Camilla was believed to have been King Charles mistress before they tied the knot.

Camilla
King Charles’ wife Camilla becomes Queen Consort. Image via APF.

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