Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has become Queen Consort Camilla following the sudden death of Queen Elizabeth II, but what does her new title mean?
WATCH: Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
A queen consort is the wife of a reigning king and shares his rank and status, but is not the direct descendant of the previous ruler.
In this case, Camilla is Queen Consort because she is wife to King Charles, but not the direct royal descendant of the previous Queen.
Kate Middleton is also expected to use the title in the future, when Prince William is eventually crowned as king.
There was speculation that Camilla would go by a different title when Charles became King due to her complicated history with the royal family.
However the Queen made it clear she wanted Camilla to be known as Queen Consort before she died on September 8, 2022.
In an official statement shared to mark the beginning of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in February 2022, the Queen revealed her plans for when Prince Charles is King.
“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.
The statement made headlines around the world as news outlets, royal reporters and the public reacted to “Queen Camilla”, a title many had suggested the Queen herself would never allow.
Now that Her Majesty has died, Camilla will take up the title in an official capacity as Charles becomes King.
In his first official statement as King Charles, the 72-year-old wrote: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.
“I know her loss will be a deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
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