Queen Camilla: Queen Elizabeth’s Soon To Be Successor

Noah Bhalloo (G9)

Current Events

Published Issue 5 2021-2022

When the subject of the royal family is brought up, who first comes to mind? Perhaps the most significant notable of royalty, Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth has been at reign for just over 70 years now, marking her platinum jubilee. However, currently at the age of 95, she is already one step ahead of what could be the end of her monarchy reign, thinking about her Queen successor and who is to take rule after her. “And 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 the time comes, Camilla will be know as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.” A Queen Consort has the title of being queen by marriage. In this case, marriage into the family through Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth’s son. This remark made by the Queen on her platinum jubilee was to the surprise of many, including Prince William and Prince Harry themselves (grandchildren to Queen Elizabeth), disturbed by the fact that they weren’t involved in the process of choosing the new Queen. Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, first married Prince Charles back in 2005 following the death of Prince Charles' former wife, Princess Diana, killed in a tragic car accident in 1997.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, being in her mid-70s has gladly accepted the future throne, being “touched and honoured by Her Majesty’s words”. Seeing how the Queen chose her successor to be a Queen Consort does spark questions and wonders for many regarding what she sees in Camilla and most importantly, her potential to rule a nation that has been focused on an absolute monarch for centuries now. Elizabeth had brought up the idea of Camilla being next to Charles as Queen thinking about how the nation shouldn’t just go on with only one representing monarch. She had clearly reflected back on seeing her father, King George VI, but also her own mother, who she thought played a major role in supporting her father during his reign and that it was only best if Camilla would also play a major role just like Elizabeth’s mother had once done. Another reason that Queen Elizabeth thought it was best for Camilla to also take reign was because after managing without Prince Philip, her beloved husband, she had acknowledged the stresses and difficulties of being a consort and spouse of the monarchy. Originally, Prince Charles was to succeed his mother as King, which would make Camilla the Princess Consort. However, after 15 years of marriage into the royal family, Queen Elizabeth had decided what was best for the both of them, favouring them for their potential and contributions to the family and ready for Queen Camilla to continue to hold the prosperous nation just like she had.