Queen Elizabeth II celebrates this Sunday, in privacy, 70 years of reign and marked the moment with the unexpected announcement that she wants Camila, the wife of Prince Charles, to be called queen consort when, when the time comes, her son becomes in king.
In a written message marking her platinum jubilee, a milestone no British monarch had reached before, the 95-year-old Queen expressed her “heartfelt wish” that Camilla “be known as Queen Consort” when Prince Charles, 73 years old, ascend the throne.
Until now, he had never said anything on the subject, which has been the subject of endless controversy for years.
A spokesman said Charles and Camilla were “moved and honored by the words” from the Queen, who also highlighted the “loyal work” of the Duchess of Cornwall.
The historical character of the event does not change, however, the tradition that does not provide for any official ceremony.
Usually, the queen spends that day at the royal estate in Sandringham, north London.
But this year he surprised with a written statement in which he expressed his “sincere wish” that Camila be the queen consort.
“It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camila will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” the monarch said in the statement.
The British press greeted the future “Queen Camila” this Sunday, which “ends years of speculation”, as the Daily Mail highlights.
For his part, Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth, who “in seven decades of reign has shown an inspiring sense of duty and unwavering devotion to this nation.”
February 6 is usually a bittersweet day for Elizabeth II because, in addition to her accession to the throne at the age of 25 in 1952, it is also the date of the death of her father, King George VI, to whom she was very attached. .
This year is also the first year that she will celebrate her reign anniversary without her beloved husband, Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021 at the age of 99.
The monarchy is going through a convulsive period between the accusations of sexual assault against his son, Prince Andrew, and the transfer to the United States of his grandson Harry with his wife Meghan.
