‘No plans to withdraw’: Inside Queen Elizabeth’s Camilla bombshell as monarch poses in new photo
The Queen has made a public appearance after her shock announcement about Prince Charles’ wife Camilla’s new role in the royal family’s future.
World
Don't miss out on the headlines from World. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Prince Charles has paid tribute to his “darling wife” Camilla after Queen Elizabeth announced a major change to Camilla’s future royal title.
In an address marking Accession Day, the Queen, 95, said it was her “sincere wish” that the Duchess of Cornwall be known as “Queen Consort” when Prince Charles eventually becomes king.
The announcement came as the Queen was pictured with a beaming smile at Sandringham House, to mark the start of her Platinum Jubilee Year.
Her Majesty posed in a reading chair in the Saloon, said to be the monarch’s favourite room at Sandringham, with a photo of her late father King George atop a table next to her.
She sported a lime green-coloured tweed wool suit designed by Angela Kelly, the Queen’s official outfitter, per The Sun.
Despite the Queen’s bombshell, a source told The Sun: “There are no plans to withdraw from public life”.
Her public appearance came after the monarch had a four-month break due to a health scare last year.
The Sun reports that the Queen has a diary of initially light duties and then a series of public outings in March.
Officials said the Queen’s health was the main priority, and that “lessons have been learned” since her punishing schedule last October, which led to her rest on doctors’ orders.
QUEEN CAMILLA
The Queen’s shock announcement about Camilla’s future title came as Her Majesty celebrated 70 years on the throne.
In response, Prince Charles paid tribute to Camilla’s “steadfast support”, in a message marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“On this historic day, my wife and I join you all in congratulating Her Majesty The Queen on the remarkable achievement of serving this nation, the realms and Commonwealth for seventy years,” Prince Charles said.
“The Queen’s devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.
“We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish.
“As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.
“The year of this unprecedented Platinum Jubilee brings an opportunity for us all to come together in celebrating the service of The Queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come.”
Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, were married in a private civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall in April 2005, and Camilla was given the lesser title of Princess Consort.
At the time, royal officials believed there was too much public animosity towards Camilla after the death of Charles’ first wife, Princess Diana.
Queen Elizabeth revealed her wishes for royal succession as she celebrated a new milestone on the throne.
Britain’s longest serving monarch marked 70 years as queen, after taking the role aged 25.
In a letter, Queen Elizabeth thanked the public for their “loyalty and affection”.
“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,” Queen Elizabeth wrote.
“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.”
The Queen continued that she was looking forward “to continuing to serve you with all my heart”.
She made the statement after she began marking her Platinum Jubilee at an event on Saturday, joking with guests from the UK Women’s Institute and Norfolk charities as she cut a celebratory cake with a large knife.
Asked why the cake was upside down and told it was for the benefit of photographers, she joked: “I don’t matter?”
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth has outlasted 14 British prime ministers and 15 Australian prime ministers during her reign.
In 2015, she overtook the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain for more than 63 years.
At 95, Queen Elizabeth is also the world’s oldest head of state.
Meantime, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the country held “deep respect and affection for the Queen”.
“For over half of our history as a Federation, The Queen has been our monarch. Most Australians have known no other sovereign. She has been a constant presence in a changing world,” Mr Morrison said.
“On this anniversary, I extend the gratitude of the Australian people.”
The United Kingdom will celebrate the Queen’s milestone with a four-day holiday in June.
ANDREW’S COURT DATE SET
Meantime, Prince Andrew has been given a date for a two-day deposition in his civil court case for sexual assault.
The royal, who was recently stripped of his patronages and military titles, will face his accuser’s lawyers on March 10.
The questioning will reportedly take place at a “neutral” location in London, even though the case is being heard in New York.
The Duke of York is being sued for three counts of sexual assault by Australia-based woman, Virgina Roberts Giuffre.
Prince Andrew’s lawyers fought to end the trial before it even began, and has denied the allegations.
Australia ‘failing’ Jewish community, vigil
A former ambassador to Israel is accusing Australia of a “tragic failing” on the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks.
‘You must evacuate’: IDF warns Gaza
Israel’s military has told civilians in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza to evacuate, warning that recent attacks “will be met with extreme force”.