Just like most people expected, Queen Elizabeth II spent the weekend marking her 70th anniversary as Queen quietly at her Sandringham estate. Even though 70 years on the thrown is a huge milestone, the Queen uses the anniversary as a time to remember her father whose death is the reason she was crowned Queen at the young age of 25.
The night before the actual anniversary of the day she became Queen, she only had one small gathering. She invited some Sandringham community members to a reception in the Sandringham House ballroom. Guests ate cake, and the Queen was seen laughing and joking with the guests.
The Queen also used the anniversary of her assent to the thrown as an opportunity to have an impact on the next generation of the monarchy. The Queen is 95 years old, and she obviously knowns that she won’t live forever. Someday it will be her son’s turn to be crowned King.
Prince Charles has been waiting a lifetime to become King. Originally, when he was married to Princess Diana, she would have been crowded Queen when he became King. It would only make sense that his current wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, would someday be crowded Queen.
A lot of people were not fond of Camilla. Many saw her as the reason Charles and Diana got divorced. Diana’s death only gave her more sympathy.
When Camilla and Charles got married in 2005, they announced that when Charles became King, Camilla would not become Queen. Instead, she would be known as the Princess Consort. They did this because of the sensitivity surrounding Diana.
Now, the Queen has changed history. She has made it clear that her wish is for Camilla to become Queen when Charles is crowned King. She said, “I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me. And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Watch the video below for more about Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the Platinum Jubilee and the Queen’s announcement that Camilla is to one day be known as Queen.
Does it surprise you that the Queen wants Camilla to be known as the Queen instead of Princess Consort? Why do you think the Queen chose to make this announcement on the anniversary of 70 years as Queen?