Queen is ‘savvy’ when it comes to public opinion, says expert
Camilla’s dedication to her duties and the Crown was spotlighted on Wednesday, when a senior aide from the official office of the Prince of Wales and Duchess, Clarence House, reported on their work and expenses over the past fiscal year. First Private Secretary Sir Clive Alderton quoted the Queen directly as he spoke of the Duchess’s work and service.
He said: “To quote the Queen herself, the Duchess of Cornwall’s own faithful service also continued, when Her Royal Highness became Patron of the British Forces Broadcasting Service and, under the mantle of the late Duke of Edinburgh, her first speech as Colonel Commander-in-Chief of the guns.”
Prince Philip, who died in April last year, had handed over the role of commander-in-chief of the regiment to the Duchess in a poignant ceremony in July 2020.
Sir Clive also emphasized Camilla’s commitment to tackling “domestic abuse and violence against women”.
Another highly successful Camilla initiative that was praised by Sir Clive was the Duchess’s online book club, the Reading Room.
The Queen praised Camilla for her ‘faithful service’ (Image: GETTY)
Camilla married Prince Charles in 2005 (Image: GETTY)
Launched in January last year, the initiative involves the Duchess selecting four books each season for her followers to read and discuss.
Hosted on a dedicated Instagram account, the book club also features authors, Q&As and a behind-the-scenes look at Camilla.
Of the Duchess’s club, Sir Clive said it “goes from strength to strength, with an ever-growing number of Instagram followers”.
He also said: “Of course I need hardly remind you that the Queen – in a moving acknowledgment of the work, the service and even her support for the Prince of the Duchess – expressed her opinion that the Duchess, in the fullness of time, to be known as Queen Consort.”
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Camilla is the Commander in Chief of the Rifles (Image: GETTY)
The Queen’s last public praise for Camilla, as noted by Sir Clive, comes just a few months after the monarch expressed her wish for her daughter-in-law to take the title of Queen Consort.
The monarch stated this in a message she released on the eve of her historic 70th anniversary of Accession Day – on February 5.
In her statement, the queen spoke about the important role that consorts of the sovereign should play.
She also emphasized the “goodwill” the British have shown over the decades.
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Camilla took part in Garter Day for the first time this year as Lady of the Garter (Image: GETTY)
Camilla will be known as Queen Consort Elf Charles accedes to the throne (Image: GETTY)
She then added: “I want to thank you all for your support.
“I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection you continue to bestow on me.
“And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know that you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you gave me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
After she married the Prince of Wales in 2005, Clarence House said Camilla would not take the title of Princess of Wales in tribute to the late Princess Diana.
What is the Order of the Garter? (Image: EXPRESS)
The office added that upon Charles’ accession, she would also not use the title of queen consort, but that of princess consort.
On New Year’s Eve, the Queen had also honored Camilla by formally investing her in the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most important knighthood in the British system of honor.
The Duchess attended her first Garter Day as Lady of the Order earlier this month.
She joined Prince Charles and took part in the procession from Windsor Castle to nearby St George’s Chapel.
The Queen acceded to the throne in 1952 (Image: GETTY)
The service held there followed the official inauguration of the new members in the presence of the Queen in the Throne Room of the castle.
After the service, Camilla and Charles were joined by other members of the royal family, including Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.
To mark the poignant day, Buckingham Palace has released a photo of the monarch standing between the newly appointed Lady and Charles.