Queen Elizabeth II has announced she wants Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to be known as Queen Consort when her son Prince Charles becomes King.
In a message released on Saturday night to mark 70 years as monarch, the Queen said it was her «sincere wish» for Camilla to have that title.
The news comes following reports that Camilla would be known as Princess Consort.
A Clarence House spokesman said the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were «touched and honored,» BBC News reports.
Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter
«It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort», the Queen wrote.
«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.»
(Image: Instagram)
The Queen Consort title refers to the spouse of a ruling king, meaning «Queen Camilla» would be her future title.
Male consorts have followed a different practice over the years, with the likes of Prince Philip and Prince Albert becoming Prince Consort rather than King.
Usual royal precedent would mean Camilla would automatically become Queen when husband Charles was King, but due to uncertainty about public opinion it had been speculated this would not be the case for Camilla.
But the Queen’s statement tonight means that any barrier to this is unlikely and that the Duchess will have a fully-fledged royal royal beside her husband.