As the world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reining English monarch, it is difficult not to wonder what comes next for the royals.
King Charles III, father to Princes William and Harry, is poised to take the throne alongside his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, serving as the Queen Consort.
What is the Queen Consort?
The queen consort holds the female version of her husband’s title (which, in this case, is obviously, King), and she also gets a crown which I love for her.
She does not, however, hold the same power as the king or as an *official queen* could. That means no political or military control and no coronation. Just a “similar, but simpler ceremony,” according to the British royal family website. OK!
Another important thing to note: Camilla does not hold power without Charles. So when he ultimately leaves the throne, Prince William will become king.
Why won’t Camilla be Queen?
Before she passed, Queen Elizabeth made it clear in a February 5 statement that she supported Camilla. “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” the Queen wrote.
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This was a big surprise, as many expected Camilla would keep her current title of Her Royal Highness The Princess Consort. (The public finds it difficult to forget that Charles and Camilla had an affair when he was still married to beloved Princess Diana).
Author and royal expert Christopher Andersen tells Us Weekly that the Queen’s decision to approve of Camilla’s Queen Consort title was “driving a wedge” in the royal family and that when it comes to Wills and Harry, “The boys were completely blindsided by this.”
“It’s just whether or not they can get over this bad feeling,” Christopher said.
Who are Camilla’s children?
Camilla has two children with her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowels: Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.
Who is Tom Parker Bowles?
Tom, who is Camilla’s oldest child and only son, is a restaurant critic. He has also authored many cookbooks and is a judge on British culinary reality shows.
Prince Charles is both his step-father and his godfather, according to Town & Country, which is a fun little factoid.
Camilla, Queen Consort, and her son Tom Parker Bowles.
“He is a man of warmth, intelligence, and humanity, and I think if it ever happens, he will make a fantastic King,” Tom told Express of Charles.
He has two children with his ex-wife, fashion editor Sara Buys. Tom’s daughter Lola was born in 2007, and his son Freddy was born in 2010, according to T&C.
Who is Laura Lopes?
Laura is the youngest child of Camilla and Andrew. She co-founded Eleven, which is a fine art gallery in London. She is married to Harry Lopes, who is a former Calvin Klein model turned accountant.
Camilla, Queen Consort, and her daughter Laura Lopes.
The pair has three children: Eliza, who was born in 2008, and twin boys, Gus and Louis, who were born in 2009, according to T&C.
Will they get royal titles?
No. Since Camilla’s titles depend on Charles, she will not pass on any royal titles.
Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com.
