But why wasn’t Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the queen’s husband ever king consort? And why did the queen wait so long to make this announcement?

Queen Elizabeth recently marked her 70th anniversary of ascending the throne

She chose to stay there on the special day as it is where her father King George VI passed away unexpectedly at the age of 56, on February 6, 1952 after a short illness. The then Princess Elizabeth and husband Prince Philip were in Kenya at the time, as part of a five-month overseas royal tour.

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The queen chooses to reflect on her father on this day each year. Her own celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee will be held in the summer when the weather is better.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become queen consort on Charles’s ascension to the throne

But surprisingly, in the queen’s message to the nation last weekend to mark this special occasion, she announced that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who has been married to Prince Charles for the past 17 years, will become queen consort on Charles’s ascension to the throne.

According to British tabloid Daily Mirror, it has been speculated by palace insiders over the years that Camilla would become a princess consort just as Prince Phillip was a prince consort to Queen Elizabeth.

But after 72 years of marriage, why was Prince Philip never king?

Then Queen Mary I, daughter of Henry VIII, married Prince Philip of Spain and Mary II – the first Stuart queen to reign over England and Scotland – married Prince William of Orange.

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The wives of kings always have the title of queen consort

However, it is different for the royal wives of kings, as they are known as queen consorts. Queen Elizabeth’s mother was also known as Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother, and before her husband died, she was also Queen Elizabeth. And when Prince William becomes king, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton will be known as Queen Catherine.

But why did the queen announce this now?

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall’s popularity has increased in recent years as she has been one of the hardest working royals, and also as she supports Prince Charles in his role as Prince of Wales.

According to UK reports, since the seal of approval by the queen, Camilla’s popularity rating has soared in the UK, with a 58 per cent endorsement from the public of Camilla becoming queen and 28 per cent disapproval rating.