Camilla met Charles in the 1970s, and although they dated briefly, they went on to marry other partners. Decades later, their relationship resurfaced and, after divorces on both sides, they married in 2005. Over the years, Camilla gradually took on more public duties and became a familiar royal figure.
During King Charles III’s coronation, she was crowned alongside him, officially becoming Queen Consort. But what happens to her role and title when Prince William eventually takes the throne?
Camilla’s future title
Royal tradition dictates that when a king dies, his widow becomes a Queen Dowager. If Camilla is alive when William becomes king, she would no longer be Queen Consort but would hold the title Queen Dowager as the widow of the previous monarch.
There is historical precedent for this title, but it hasn’t been commonly used in modern times. The last queen dowager reigned in the 1800s. More recently, Queen Elizabeth II’s mother, the widow of King George VI, chose the title Queen Mother to avoid confusion since both shared the name Elizabeth. Camilla, being William’s stepmother, would not take the same title, and it is possible William could choose to honor her with a unique title.
Life after the crown
After King Charles’ death, Camilla’s public role is expected to decrease, largely because of her age at that time. Prince William and Princess Kate would take over as king and queen, leading the monarchy forward with their children stepping into senior royal positions as they grow up.
While Camilla’s title may change, her decades of service and the legacy she built alongside Charles will remain part of royal history.