LONDON — As the United Kingdom marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule on Sunday, the queen looked to the future of the monarchy.
In remarks delivered in time for Sunday morning’s front pages, the queen expressed a “sincere wish” that Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, should be known as “Queen Consort” when her son succeeds her as expected. With those words the monarch sought to answer once and for all questions about the status of Camilla, who was initially shunned by fans of the late Princess Diana, Charles’ first wife.
“The queen is such a realist and, you know, she’s got a business to run,” historian Robert Lacey said. “Well, they call it ‘The Firm,’ don’t they? And this really brings Camilla into the firm properly now and for the future.”
It took years for many in Britain to forgive Charles, whose admitted infidelity and long-time links to Camilla torpedoed his marriage to Diana. The popular, glamorous princess died in a Paris car crash in 1997, five years after the couple separated in a messy public split. But the public mood has softened since Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
Her down-to-Earth style and sense of humor eventually won over many Britons. Her warmth softened Charles’ stuffy image and made him appear more approachable, if not happier, as he cut ribbons, unveiled plaques and waited for his chance to reign.
Charles, 73, has long made it clear that he wants Camilla to be known as queen when he ultimately succeeds his mother on the throne. In his own message congratulating the queen on her long years of service, Charles thanked his mother for her support.
“We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish,” they said. “As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.’’
The queen’s comments are remarkable in that they brought back memories of one of the lowest moments of her 70 years on the throne. The royal family was widely criticized for its initial silence in the aftermath of Diana’s death, with one national newspaper proclaiming “Your People Are Suffering. Speak to Us Ma’am.”
In backing Charles and Camilla, the queen remembered the support she received from her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year after decades at her side, as well as the role her mother played as the wife of a king.
