YOU SHALL BE QUEEN

Her Majesty has given the green light for Camilla to be queen consort when Charles ascends the throne

- NICI DE WET

HERE was a time Queen Elizabeth wouldn’t be in the same room as “that wicked woman” and she even boycotted her son and heir’s 50th birthday party because she would be there.

Camilla Parker Bowles was the person who had destroyed Prince Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana and heaped scandal and shame on the royal family.

But time, her son’s obvious happiness and Camilla’s unfussy dedication to duty have changed all that – and this was made clear when Her Majesty recently bestowed the ultimate honour on her daughter-in-law.

“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,” the queen said on the eve of the 70th anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

“And it is my sincere wish that when the time comes Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her loyal service.”

Royal experts say the move shows the queen’s full acceptance of the woman who was once such a thorn in her side. “It is probably one of the strongest points the queen has made,” says historian and author Hugo Vickers.

Charles (73) and Camilla (74) were touched. “We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish,” the future king said after the announcement.

“As we have sought to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my steadfast support throughout.”

To Charles, Camilla is the rock that has stood by him through thick and thin.