Camilla, the future Queen Consort: Prince Charles' wife gets Queen's support

As the United Kingdom marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's rule on Sunday, the queen looked to the future of the monarchy.

In remarks delivered in time for Sunday morning's front pages, the queen expressed a “sincere wish'' that Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, should be known as “Queen Consort” when her son succeeds her as expected.

With those words the monarch sought to answer once and for all questions about the status of Camilla, who was initially shunned by fans of the late Princess Diana, Charles' first wife.

The popular princess died in a Paris car crash in 1997, five years after the couple separated in a messy public split.

But the public mood has softened since Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

Now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, 74-year-old Camilla has taken on roles at more than 100 charities, focusing on a wide range of issues including promoting literacy, supporting victims of domestic violence and helping the elderly.

Also watch: 'Oldie?': Here's why 95-yr-old Queen Elizabeth rejected award for elderly

Her down-to-Earth style and sense of humour eventually won over many Britons. Her warmth softened Charles' stuffy image and made him appear more approachable, if not happier, as he cut ribbons, unveiled plaques and waited for his chance to reign.

Charles, 73, has long made it clear that he wants Camilla to be known as queen when he ultimately succeeds his mother on the throne.

In his own message congratulating the queen on her long years of service, Charles thanked his mother for her support.

“We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother's wish,'' they said.

“As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.'' The queen's comments are remarkable in that they brought back memories of one of the lowest moments of her 70 years on the throne.

In backing Charles and Camilla, the queen remembered the support she received from her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year after decades at her side, as well as the role her mother played as the wife of a king.

“I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family. I was blessed that, in Prince Philip, I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it, she wrote. “It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father's reign.” “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me.”