London
Camilla Parker Bowles will automatically become queen if her husband ascends to the throne—whether she wants the title or not, the British government said this week. In announcing their engagement several months ago, Prince Charles and his longtime mistress promised that she would take the title of “princess consort” when Charles ascended to the throne. But legal authorities have concluded that it isn’t up to her. The constitutions of 17 other members of the British Commonwealth would have to be amended to deny her the right to the title, and Canada and Australia have already said they won’t bother. Still, even a Queen Camilla would have no constitutional powers, as she would be queen consort, a courtesy title, not queen regnant, which is Queen Elizabeth’s title. Charles and Camilla will marry in April.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brandFeature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
Unraveling autismFeature RFK Jr. has vowed to find the root cause of the 'autism epidemic' in months. Scientists have doubts.
-
'Two dolls': Can Trump sell Americans on austerity?Feature Trump's tariffs may be threatening holiday shelves but they've handed Democrats a 'huge gift'
