A NEW TITLE HERALDS A NEW ERA

CHARLES AND CAMILLA CELEBRATE EASTER WITH FAMILY, AS THEY PREPARE FOR THE BIGGEST DAY OF THEIR LIVES

- LESLEY JONES

As the countdown begins to their coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, Buckingham Palace has released a new photo of a relaxed and happy Charles and Camilla.

There was a surprise inclusion on the accompanying coronation invitation, as Camilla’s title was changed to Queen, with royal observers commenting this was an “appropriate time” to move on from her previous official role of Queen Consort.

Queen Elizabeth II previously expressed her “sincere wish” that Camilla should have the title, and the elaborate invitation, which features heraldic artwork and scenes from nature, put an official stamp on the decision.

The couple were pictured arm in arm in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. It was shot by Hugo Burnand, the official photographer for the big day, who tells OK! he is “honoured” to be taking the official photographs on coronation day itself.

After the royal couple travelled to York for Maundy Thursday Service, their family were well aware the Easter holidays may have been their last chance to “kick back” before the final weeks of preparation for the occasion, as royal expert Jennie Bond tells OK! there will still be “lots of planning to do” before Charles is crowned.

The King and Queen will no doubt have hosted a traditional Easter family get-together at Windsor Castle, with proceedings rather less formal than in previous years, when the King’s mother was in charge.

“Charles and Camilla will lead in a change of tradition,” says Jennie. “As well as the formality of appearing at church services, I’m sure an Easter egg hunt for the children would have been organised.