When King Charles took the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died, Camilla Parker Bowles became Queen Camilla. However, there will come a day when Prince William will be crowned King. So what will happen to Camilla if she outlives Charles? Here’s the answer.
Queen Camilla’s story within the Royal Family sure is intriguing. While it involves some rather unpleasant details, her love story with King Charles is surely one for the ages.
As her and Charles’ affair became known to the public, there were not many who liked her, especially as she had been involved with the husband of Princess Diana. However, over the years, Camilla has become a much-loved member of the Royal Family.
King Charles took the throne when Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022 at the age of 96. The 77-year-old monarch may very well sit on the throne until he passes away, too, although some have questioned whether he shouldn’t abdicate sooner to give room for Prince William.
The British Royal Family is all about tradition and protocol, and that also applies to what happens when a reigning king dies. Meanwhile, many people have been wondering: what exactly would happen to Queen Camilla if King Charles III were to pass away?
What will happen to Camilla when Kate becomes queen
The answer is clear in royal protocol — but it comes with a major change in status. In the event of King Charles’s death, there would be no gap in the monarchy. His eldest son, Prince William, would become king instantly, in a seamless transition that is part of long-established royal tradition.
Alongside him, Catherine, Princess of Wales, would take on the role of Queen Consort. This is where things change for Camilla. She would no longer be known as Queen Consort, as that title exists only as long as her husband is the reigning monarch.
Instead, she would become a Queen Dowager, a traditional title given to the widow of a king. It’s translated as the Royal Family’s formal term for a widow of the King.
However, Camilla wouldn’t exactly be sent into exile. She would still be a valued member of the Royal Family and could enjoy all the things she did as queen, although Prince William and Kate Middleton would take on the titles of king and queen.
Monarchs have traditionally lived at Buckingham Palace, but, as with many other things, when he took the throne, King Charles did things differently.
Will Camilla stay at Clarence House?
He and Camilla decided to stay at Clarence House, but it’s not known whether the former Parker-Bowles would be allowed to stay there when William takes the throne. If we are to speculate, the feeling is that it won’t be a problem at all.
Despite her titles changing, Camilla would not suddenly disappear from public life. Looking back in history, royal widows have sometimes continued with limited public duties, especially connected to the charities and causes they already support.
However, much of her future role would likely depend on King William’s decisions and how the monarchy chooses to shape its working royals. Exactly how things will turn out? Time will tell.
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