What is a Queen Consort?

Elizabeth II has used her Platinum Jubilee message to express her ‘sincere wish’ that the Duchess Of Cornwall will become Queen Consort when Charles is made king.

Her Majesty said in a statement: ‘I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. 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.’

It has previously been suggested that Camilla would not take the title of Queen in the future – but just what does Queen Consort mean?

What is a Queen Consort?

The title of ‘consort’ refers simply to the spouse of a ruling monarch.

Consorts of monarchs in the UK do not have any ruling power, with their main duty being to provide support and companionship to the ruling monarch, as well as play an important role in public engagements.

Previous Queen Consorts have included the Queen Mother, during the reign of Elizabeth’s father George VI, as well as her grandmother, George V’s wife Queen Mary.

However the longest-serving royal consort in history is Prince Philip, who was given the title when the Queen ascended the throne in 1952, and held it until his death on April 9 2021.

The title of longest-serving Queen Consort goes to Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was consort to George III from 1761 when they married, until the union of the two kingdoms in 1801.

After this she remained Queen of the United Kingdom until her death in 1818, two years before her husband.

While the title of Queen Consort is given to the wives of ruling kings, the husbands of ruling queens in this country are largely known as ‘Prince Consort’ rather than ‘king’.

This is because the title of Queen is generally considered to be lower in rank than ‘King’, which can only ever refer to a reigning monarch – while ‘Queen’ can refer either to either a female monarch, or the wife of the king.

Hence, Prince Philip was known as Prince Consort during his marriage to Queen Elizabeth – so as not to outrank her position as reigning monarch.

If the new consort is a Queen, they are crowned alongside the new King in a smaller ceremony – but a male consort is not formally crowned at a Queen’s coronation.

This is the first time that it has been confirmed Camilla – who has been married to Prince Charles since 2005 – would have the title of ‘Queen’ in the future.

What was Camilla’s planned title?

Although she would always technically have become Queen when Charles becomes King, it was previously announced by Buckingham Palace in 2005 that she would instead, she would take the alternative title of Princess Consort.

‘As was explained at the time of their wedding in April 2005, it is intended that The Duchess will be known as HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales Accedes to The Throne,’ a statement on their website originally read.

However this was later deleted from the site – which had sparked speculation that Camilla might be given a more regal title when the time comes.

Prince Charles further set the rumour mill churning when he was asked in 2010 if Camilla might be made Queen – only to reply: ‘We’ll see, won’t we?’

Since the Queen made her announcement, Charles and Camilla have said in a statement they are ‘touched and honoured by Her Majesty’s words.’ 

Prince Charles paid tribute to Camilla as he said: ‘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.’

MORE : How ‘ruthless’ royal family has survived scandals as Queen marks 70-year reign

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

.