Camilla will be Queen one day, constitutional expert says

As Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall mark their 12th wedding anniversary, a constitutional expert has said that Camilla will be Queen one day - even if the public doesn’t like the idea. There has been growing interest in what will happen at the time of succession when Prince Charles becomes King, including what title Camilla will be given. But Lord Norton of Louth, a peer in the House of Lords and professor at the University of Hull, says the constitutional position is very clear. “Upon the death of the Queen, Charles automatically becomes King - that is it,” he said. “His wife will become Queen Consort, formally established by precedent. But if she wishes to be known by another title, that’s a matter of royal prerogative, so the monarch could determine that another style will be employed.”

The monarch could determine that another style will be employed.

Lord Norton of Louth

Much of the debate stems from when they were married in Windsor on 9 April, 2005. It was announced that Camilla would be given what some regarded as the lesser title of Princess Consort and not Queen Consort when her husband became King. Clarence House will not comment on the issue, but it has been suggested that Camilla would rather be Princess Consort and it is Prince Charles who wants her to be his Queen. It is thought the Princess Consort title may partly have been announced in 2005 in recognition of the public unease about the relationship, and the death of Princess Diana. Last week, Camilla was at her husband’s side during a royal tour in Europe, a trip described as a Brexit charm offensive.

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