The announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis has ignited numerous speculative discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.
One potential scenario involves the ailing king choosing to abdicate his throne to focus on his health, immediately thrusting his eldest son and heir, Prince William, into the spotlight as the next in line to the throne. Should Charles pass away, this would accelerate the ascension of Prince William to become King William V, unless he opts for a different regnal name. In such an event, a different question arises: What would become of Queen Consort Camilla?
The answer to this inquiry is multifaceted, as elucidated by royal experts.
The intricate reality is that while King Charles will undoubtedly have detailed his desires for his wife’s future, the reigning monarch, in this case, King William, ultimately determines the extent of Queen Consort Camilla’s role in her later years.
Upon King William’s accession, his wife, Princess Kate, would assume the title of queen. As the mother of Prince George, the future monarch, Kate wields significant influence both within the royal family and among the public.
Nevertheless, Camilla’s presence would not fade into oblivion swiftly. Despite the controversies preceding her marriage to King Charles, Camilla, arguably Charles’ foremost love, was warmly received by many Britons when she was crowned alongside her husband in a lavish coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey last May.
“Queen Consort Camilla would still retain her title, akin to the Queen Mother,” explains Joe Little, managing editor of “Majesty” magazine.
In the improbable event of an abdication or King Charles’ demise, “the new King William would hold all the cards, acting in accordance with his father’s and stepmother’s wishes,” states Little. “However, every facet of her public and private life would undergo review.”
Regarding her place of residence, Camilla would likely reside in one of several royal estates, the selection of which may hinge on her husband’s preferences, albeit ultimately subject to the new king’s decision.
“It’s entirely at his discretion, but undoubtedly, King Charles III would have stipulated his preferences,” remarks Carolyn Harris, a historian at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies.
British history provides some insights into potential paths for royal widows, notes Harris. “Queen Consorts, especially when the new monarch is not their biological offspring, face uncertainties about their future roles,” she elaborates. “My conjecture is that Queen Consort Camilla would continue her charitable endeavors related to literacy and domestic violence and may assume honorary roles within military regiments, subject to extensive discussions with the new monarch.”
Royal historians emphasize the importance of considering the legacies of Queen Elizabeth II and King Edward VIII. The former remained dedicated to her duties until her passing at the age of 96 in 2022, while the latter caused turmoil by abdicating the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. When King Edward’s brother, George VI, passed away, his daughter Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.
Given these historical precedents, “King Charles III is likely to continue his royal duties until his passing,” concludes Harris.