King Charles has cancer, and while he is soon returning to royal duties, many have been left with lingering questions about what might happen if the cancer takes his life.
Would Camilla stay queen? Here’s what we know.
Ascension to the Throne
With all they have been through over the years, it seems that the Royal Family is prepared for just about anything. But with King Charles’ latest cancer diagnosis, many wonder what would happen if he were to pass away.
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Succession After Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles ascended the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September 2022.
Queen Elizabeth knew her days were dwindling, and she had a plan titled “Operation London Bridge,” which detailed what would follow in the days after her death.
Coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla
Although Charles immediately became king after his mother’s passing, it wouldn’t be until May of the following year that his coronation would take place.
The same day Charles became king, Camilla was also crowned queen consort.
The couple were only in their titles for a brief period before it was revealed in February 2024 that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.
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Speculations on Succession
If he passes away, we expect Prince William to take over the monarchy, but what about Camilla? Would she stay queen? Would she have any royal role?
Evolution of Camilla’s Titles
Queen Camilla has gone through her share of royal titles over the years, and it would change again after her husband’s death. Originally, in preparation for Queen Elizabeth’s death, Camilla was going to be referred to as princess consort.
Official Title of Queen Consort
However, Elizabeth had shared a statement before her passing, revealing the official title that Camilla would become after her death.
She said, “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Title Change and Royal Protocol
After Elizabeth’s death, Camilla did indeed become queen consort. However, the title of consort was later dropped during King Charles’ coronation.
As long as he is alive, Camilla will be referred to as queen. However, if Charles were to die, Camilla’s title would face a slight change.
The royal would be known as Queen Dowager Camilla. Dowager refers to the widow of a king and was first used by Queen Adelaide in 1830.
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Speculations on Queen Camilla’s Role
Queen Camilla would not take over the throne if King Charles were to die. The throne must remain in the royal bloodline, which means Prince William would take on a new wave of responsibilities, including much of Camilla’s fate.
Role Determination by Prince William
Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, told USA Today, “The new King William would call all the shots, it would be down to him — in accordance to his father’s and stepmother’s wishes, of course. But every aspect of her public and private life would be reviewed.”
Prince William will also decide what Queen Camilla’s role in public-facing duties will be. Over the years, Camilla has devoted much of her life to charitable causes.
So, if King Charles were to pass, many suspect that she would continue to do her charitable work with the approval of the new king.
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