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Queen marks 70th anniversary with support for Camilla

Published:Sunday | February 6, 2022 | 11:08 AM
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowds with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at right, as they arrive by carriage on the first day of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting in Ascot, England, Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Queen Elizabeth II has offered her support to have the Duchess of Cornwall become Queen Camilla — using a special Platinum Jubilee message to make a significant decision in shaping the future of the monarchy. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

LONDON (AP) — 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.

Now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, the 74-year-old Camilla has taken on roles at more than 100 charities, focusing on a wide range of issues including promoting literacy, supporting victims of domestic violence and helping the elderly.

Her down-to-earth style and sense of humour 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 criticised 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.

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