Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles met and fell in love in 1970, but Camilla married her first husband when Charles was away serving in the Royal Navy, and Charles went on to wed Princess Diana. Unhappy in their marriages, the couple had an affair that would later send shockwaves through the world when it was publicized (via Town & Country). Both eventually divorced and pursued their relationship, making it public a year after the tragic death of Diana. Charles and Camilla finally wed in 2005, receiving the titles Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla is also the Princess of Wales by virtue of marriage.
The issue of her future title, however, has been a touchy one. Traditionally, the wife of a British king is known as queen consort, but it’s not a mandated title. Knowing the public’s continuing love of Diana and lingering resentment toward Camilla, the palace announced in 2005 that Camilla would assume the title princess consort on Charles’ ascension (via SCMP). The queen’s statement, then, was an unexpected game-changer.
Royals fans on Twitter are divided on Camilla’s future title. One supporter said, “I think after 70 years of service if the queen wants Camilla to be queen consort, then that’s exactly what should happen.” Another declared, “Absolute respect for the queen, however, it wasn’t appropriate in her jubilee speech to reference Camilla Parker Bowles. … This will upset William and Harry, and it was unnecessary at this particular time.”
