Camilla’s ‘Queen’ Consort title: Why was Prince Philip never King?

Here's why King Charles' wife Camilla is the Queen Consort but Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II was never King.

Sep 10, 2022 - 10:14
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Camilla’s ‘Queen’ Consort title: Why was Prince Philip never King?

Many were confused over why King Charles’ wife Camilla is given the Queen consort title following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September while his father Prince Phillip never got the King title.

CAMILLA TO BE ‘QUEEN CONSORT’ 

Queen Elizabeth II announced that her son King Charles’ wife Camilla will be known as Queen Consort when she dies – in a statement in February. 

“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,” read the statement.

The statement was a surprise because Camilla was initially going to be “Princess Consort” when Charles became King. 

“It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles should use the title HRH The Princess Consort when The Prince of Wales accedes to The Throne,” read a statement at the time of Charles and Camilla’s engagement.

Charles officially became King when the Queen passed away on Thursday 8 September. So, due to the Queen’s decision, Camilla is now titled Queen Consort.

ALSO READ: RIP Queen Elizabeth II: Prince William is heir to the throne

WHY WAS PRINCE PHILIP NOT GIVEN THE ‘KING’ TITLE? 

Many are confused over why Camilla took the title of Queen Consort but Prince Phillip was never King. According to Insider, the reason Phillip was never King was most likely because King outranks Queen.

Prince Philip was only the fifth consort to a reigning Queen in British royal history. The last instance was in 1857 when Prince Albert was named prince consort by Queen Victoria. This was 17 years after they tied the knot in 1840.

Camilla
Here’s why Camilla is Queen Consort but Prince Philip wasn’t King. Images via AFP.

ALSO READ: Place of death: What Balmoral castle meant to Queen Elizabeth II