Camilla should be the next Queen, says the Queen

Lizzie endorsed Camilla's 'loyal service'

The Queen has thrown her support behind the Duchess of Cornwall to be crowned Queen Consort once Prince Charles takes the throne. In a statement to mark her Platinum Jubilee on February 6, The Queen expressed her "sincere wish that when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort" in recognition of "her loyal service." [caption id="attachment_315714" align="alignnone" width="2048"]

Charles and Camilla wed in 2005/Via Getty[/caption] This is the first time since Charles and Camilla wed in 2005 that the Queen has openly supported her daughter-in-law's right to a title. Sources close to Lizzie say she is taking the time to tie up loose ends and is keen to resolve Camilla's future role before Charles takes the throne. A senior royal aide told the Times: "Ever since the duke's passing, there has been an element of 'I won't be here for ever', and an eagerness to pass on her experience to people and put certain things in place. She is making the point that she learnt from her own mother and father, and her own experience, what that role of consort takes. [caption id="attachment_315715" align="alignnone" width="2048"]

The Queen will celebrate her 96th birthday in April/Via Getty[/caption] "This reflects the duchess's 17 years of loyal service and Her Majesty can see within her own family how happy she makes the prince." Similarly, Royal historian Hugo Vickers said: "This is something that needed to be sorted out during this reign, otherwise there would have been a question mark over it and the duchess would have been Queen by law, if not by name. It is fascinating and all about a smooth transition."