Queen by technicality
The week's news at a glance.
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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?
In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meat
The Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Scientists want to fight malaria by poisoning mosquitoes with human blood
Under the radar Drugging the bugs
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published