After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles was named King Charles III. He’s now known as the King of the United Kingdom even though the official ceremony and coronation of his new title will require a few months to prepare.
As for Camilla Parker Bowles, his wife, she’s now the Queen Consort. What does this mean, and how much power does she hold?
Prince Charles Marries Camilla Parker-Bowles
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles tied the knot back in 2005 in a civil wedding ceremony at Windsor Guildhall and was later blessed at St. George’s Chapel. Their relationship was filled with scandal, and it was the culmination of their love affair that lasted for 40 years.
They met in 1970. But during that time, they eventually drifted apart even though they were attracted to each other. Camilla got married to Andrew Parker Bowles while Prince Harry married Diana.
Unfortunately, Prince Charles had an affair with Camilla after the passing of the latter’s husband. Their relationship has caused a lot of problems not only for Prince Charles and Princess Diana but the entire royal family. Prince Charles and Princess Diana divorced in 1996. After Diana’s death in 1997, Prince Charles decided to reintroduce Camilla to the public. They eventually got married after eight years.
Duchess Camilla as Queen Consort
A report by Express revealed that Camila Parker Bowles now holds the title of Queen Consort. However, her status within the royal family remains. Her new role depends on her marriage to the king, and that means she cannot ascend to the throne in case Charles dies before her.
The Queen consort doesn’t have the military and political power possessed by the monarch. She could have a change in power if King Charles III had been incapacitated for a long period of time. But her new role will not put her on par with King Charles III.
A Queen Consort “is crowned with the king, in a similar but simpler ceremony,” as per the British royal family website.
If King Charles III dies ahead of Camilla, her title will change to Queen Dowager, who is a woman whose husband just died.
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