Will Queen Camilla set a precedent for Princess Mary

King Charles’ decision to dispense with the title “consort” for his beloved Camilla and style her simply “Queen” may have ramifications for Aussie Mary Donaldson, aka Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Read why.

The decision by King Charles to dispense with the title of “consort” for his beloved Camilla and style her simply “Queen” has to have been closely observed in Denmark, where Australian Mary Donaldson, aka Crown Princess Mary, is to one day be anointed queen consort to Frederik, future king of Denmark.

The title of “consort”, which recognises that a woman married to the king has equivalent status yet no political power, has been a topic of debate in royal circles for generations.

While it may helpfully identify its recipient is not of royal bloodline, it also conveys upon the bearer a sort of de facto royal status.

Charles, presumably sensitive to the battle his own father had acquiring his titles, presumably saw the term “consort” as a slur on his second wife.

His decision to dispense with it then, (after it was initially believed that Camilla, still a touchy subject for some Brits, might only have the status of a princess) looks to have been an act of great love.

Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary (right) speaks with Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore following a tour of the light rail in Sydney on Friday. Picture: AFP

The question for Frederik will be: Does he love our Mary as much as Charles loves his queen?

As Mary, who was in Sydney this week to promote sustainability, has proven over two decades, she is devoted to her office of Crown Princess of Denmark.

Her mother-in-law, however, may be more rigid than Camilla’s recently departed one, only time will tell.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]