At age 75, the previous long-reigning Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, has been declared a new title per the request of the late Queen Elizabeth. Now identified as the Queen Consort, the late queen’s daughter-in-law has since broken tradition with the declaration of her new royal status.
Once marrying Prince Charles in 2005 at a civil ceremony, Camilla Parker Bowles was titled the Duchess of Cornwall. Out of respect for Princess Diana’s previous title as the Princess of Wales, she requested to take this title instead.
The royal relationship was given a new future title after Queen Elizabeth announced that her “sincere wish” was for Camilla Bowles to be named the Queen Consort once Prince Charles became king after her death. This statement ended years of public uncertainty about what her role would be. Shortly after the Duchess of Cornwall was given a new title, she made subtle adjustments to historic royal traditions.
On November 27, six of the Queens Consorts' closest pals were given the new role of the “Queens Companions” instead of the traditional “ladies-in-waiting.” The Queens Companions uphold the responsibility of supporting the Queen Consort in some of her crucial official and State duties, along with her Private Secretary/Deputy Private Secretary, according to the palace's statement. While the previous ladies-in-waiting were expected to stay at the Queen's side and maintain involvement in administrative work, the Queen's Companions were not.
As for the ladies-in-waiting who remain after Queen Elizabeth’s death, the Queen Consort has titled them with the role of “ladies of the household.” This position’s role entails helping King Charles the Third with Buckingham palace events. Aside from these new adjustments to royal traditions, many might question what responsibilities come along with the Queen Consorts' new role. The “consort” added to Camilla’s title gives her the primary function of supporting the king. This means providing moral support and attending charity events and public engagements, unlike a reigning Queen with governmental responsibilities. This role is more symbolic rather than formal, representing the support that is provided for the monarch.
Along with these responsibilities, the Queen Consort is also in charge of serving as a state counselor, meaning that she must take over regular duties for Charles if he is out of the state or ill. According to the royal family’s site, the responsibilities of this position include attending Privy Council meetings and signing routine documents.
The newly titled Queens Companions made their first appearance at the Violence Against Women and Girls reception at Buckingham Palace on November 29 this year.
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