Queen Elizabeth II supported Saturday’s Duchess of Cornwall becoming Queen Camilla. She used a special Platinum Jubilee message as a way to make a major decision about the future direction of the British monarchy.
The monarch spoke out on the 70th anniversary her accession to throne. She expressed her sincere desire that Camilla would be called “Queen Consort” and her youngest son Charles, Prince of Wales, succeeds her to the throne. The popular and well-respected sovereign has given her blessing to the move.
“When my son Charles is crowned, I know that you will give Camilla and him the same support as you gave me,” wrote the monarch. “And it is my sincere desire that Camilla, when that time comes will be known to you as Queen Consort while she continues her loyal service.”
This message ends a long-running saga that has plagued the House of Windsor ever since Charles divorced from Princess Diana.
Many Brits took many years to forgive Charles, the man who admitted his infidelity and caused so much pain to “the people’s princess” before she was killed in a Paris car accident in 1997. After Charles married Camilla Parker Bowes in 2005, the public mood changed and she was made the Duchess Of Cornwall.
Camilla was a key player in Charles’ divorce, but her down-to earth style and sense humor won many Britons over. Charles was made more approachable by her warmth, which softened his hard edges. He cut ribbons and unveiled plaques while he waited for his chance to rule.
Royal aides suggested to Camilla that she did not wish to be called Queen and instead “intended” to be known as Princess Consort, a first in British History. However, the careful use and meaning of “intend” allowed for the possibility of a change later.
This is a move to ensure a smooth transition into the future for the queen as she navigates the final stages of her reign.
“This is the most remarkable message. Peter Hunt, a former BBC royal correspondent, said to the Press Association that the queen was ensuring that the transition to her son’s role as king, should it occur, is smooth and as trouble-free as possible. “She is future-proofing the institution she has served for 70 years. Camilla is now the queen-in-waiting, having gone from the third person in a married couple to the third.
The queen also paid tribute last year to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, her consort for many decades, as well as to her mother’s work.
“I feel fortunate to have had the loving and steadfast support of my family. “I was fortunate to have found Prince Philip as my partner. He was willing to play the consort role and would unselfishly make all the sacrifices necessary,” she wrote. It is a role that I witnessed my mother play during the reign of my father.
Elizabeth was at her largest public event since her recent health scare. She mingled with guests at a reception to celebrate her platinum anniversary.
The monarch met members of the community at Sandringham, Sandringham’s country estate in eastern England. This is where she spends her anniversary. As she spoke with guests, the 95-year-old queen lean on a walking stick.
Elizabeth moved freely despite recent health concerns. She seemed to rely more on her stick when she stopped moving than on it while she was walking around the room.
Since the monarch cancelled a two-day Northern Ireland trip in October, her health has been a concern. She was quietly admitted to hospital overnight to undergo preliminary tests. She was advised by doctors to rest and limit herself to light duties.
She assured her that she would continue serving and expressed optimism about the future celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee.
She wrote, “I am reminded how many things we can be grateful for.” “These past seven decades have witnessed extraordinary social, technological and cultural progress that has benefited us all. I am confident that the future holds similar opportunities for us and the younger generations throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
The message “Your servant Elizabeth R” was signed by the sovereign.