Duchess Camilla’s new title ‘a done deal’ for a long time despite ‘nervousness’ from Royal Family

Duchess Camilla reportedly earned a Queen Consort title after ‘carving out a role’ for herself.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrives to visit Medway Aircraft Preservation Society
(Image credit: Photo by Peter Cziborra-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Duchess Camilla’s new title of Queen Consort was reportedly a “done deal” long before the Queen’s announcement, though it's claimed there was “nervousness” from the Royal Family.


As the Queen marked the official start of her Platinum Jubilee year on February 6th at Sandringham few royal fans could’ve predicted the life-changing message shared by the monarch regarding the Duchess of Cornwall. The Queen gave her blessing for Duchess Camilla to become “Queen Consort” when Prince Charles takes the throne in a move that likely shocked many. Prior to this new announcement, Clarence House had maintained their earlier statement that the Duchess would be known as “Princess Consort” when her husband becomes King. 

Describing Duchess Camilla’s taking on of such a prestigious new title as her “sincerest wish”, the Queen has transformed how many people view the future of the monarchy. However, it's been alleged that despite her Jubilee message being a surprise to fans, the possibility of Duchess Camilla becoming “Queen Consort” was actually already a “done deal”. 

According to Mail Online, the plans to see the Duchess of Cornwall receive this special title were supposedly underway for some time. So much so, that they claim that the Prince of Wales almost made an announcement in 2019, though there was “nervousness” around public opinion.

“This is something that has been on the Prince of Wales’ mind for some time, but the timing had to be right. There was a nervousness, they wanted to get it right,” a royal source alleged.

“It’s been a done deal for some time, but the question has been how best to execute it. You are not going to please everyone,” they added. “They understand that some people still won’t be happy, but the family believe it is the right thing to do.”

Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrrive by carriage on day two of Royal Ascot

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

This could be seen to reflect some level of apprehension when it comes to the public response, given the loyalty so many royal fans have to the late Princess Diana. Though despite this reported “nervousness”, another source alleged to the Mail that the Queen felt her daughter-in-law “deserved” to get the title that would ordinarily automatically come to the wife of the King. 

They claimed, “She’s never once tried to overshadow her husband, she’s always played a supportive role to the Prince of Wales. He is her top priority. But she has also carved a role out for herself, has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles on thousands of engagements, taken on some really powerful causes such as violence against women, but is still cheerfully willing to go to the back-end of beyond to cut ribbons and shake hands.”

“She is warm, friendly and hasn’t put a foot wrong,” they added.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the "No Time To Die" World Premiere

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

For anyone wondering what a Queen Consort is, this prestigious title belongs to the wife of a King, whilst Queen Regnant—the title held by Queen Elizabeth II—denotes a reigning Queen in her own right. Prince Charles paid an adorable tribute to his wife following the announcement and whilst Duchess Camilla hasn’t personally addressed the Queen’s message, she is likely feeling very touched by this show of respect.  

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!