King Charles Officially Names Camilla as Queen Consort During First Speech as Monarch

Camilla, previously the Duchess of Cornwall has now been officially named Queen Consort by her husband, the newly reigning King Charles III.

The King of Britain, 73, bestowed the title upon his wife, 75, in a televised speech Friday — his first address to the nation since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died Thursday and he became monarch — where he officially referred to Camilla as Queen Consort for the first time.

“I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort,” said the King during his speech, which was recorded in the Blue Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace. “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.”

In his speech, King Charles also sent well wishes to his son Prince Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle for their life in the United States, as well as gave Prince William and Kate Middleton the titles previously held by him and the late Princess Diana: the Prince and Princess of Wales, respectively.

“As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me,” the monarch said. “He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall, which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

King Charles added, “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”