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What Does Queen Consort Mean? Camilla’s New Royal Title And Duties Explained

Camilla Parker Bowles
Credit: Alamy

King Charles III has officially become monarch following Queen Elizabeth II’s tragic passing, aged 96 – so what does this mean for his wife Camilla Parker Bowles?

A statement from Buckingham Palace has sadly confirmed Queen Elizabeth II has died meaning her first-born son, Prince Charles, has officially become king of the United Kingdom.

Following his royal accession, his wife Camilla Parker Bowles will also see her title change as she becomes the queen consort.

Following the Queen’s death, a statement from the royal family read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

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“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

So what is the meaning of a queen consort? And how is this different from the queen? Here’s everything you need to know about Parker Bowles’s new royal title.

What does queen consort mean?

A queen consort is the wife of a reigning king, in this case, King Charles. While Camilla will hold the female equivalent of her husband’s titles, and will even get her own crown, she does not hold any sovereign rights like the king does.

She also does not share his political or military powers.

There have been disputes in the past as to whether Camilla would hold the consort title, however, Queen Elizabeth shared a previous statement saying: “It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

Camilla will be crowned alongside the king on his coronation in a similar but simpler ceremony.

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Camilla Parker Bowles and Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton will carry the same queen consort title when Prince William is crowned king. Credit: Alamy

How is the queen different to queen consort?

A queen is a monarch in her own right and holds the same rank as a king would. She reigns over her kingdom, and military and has political powers.

Who is the Princess of Wales now?

The Prince and Princess of Wales titles are not automatically passed on from King Charles but it is likely something he will do in the near future.

Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Prince William and Kate Middleton will now carry new royal titles. Credit: Alamy

This means his first-born son, Prince William, will become the Prince of Wales and his wife, Kate Middleton, will become the Princess of Wales.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have automatically inherited the Cornwall title too, making them officially TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.

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Written by Zoe Adams

Zoe is a freelance SEO journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience. She specialises in trending, lifestyle and entertainment news. She has previously worked with brands such as Global, the UK and Europe’s largest radio company, and OK! Magazine.