On the 70th anniversary of his mother’s accession to the throne, The Prince of Wales has released a touching message to mark the occasion. Charles’ statement comes just hours after The Queen’s Accession Day message, in which she thanked the public for their affection, and also expressed her desire that Camilla becomes Queen Consort when Charles himself ascends to the throne.
In the statement, Prince Charles congratulates Her Majesty on “the remarkable achievement of serving this nation, the Realms and Commonwealth for seventy years”. Elizabeth II is the longest-serving British Monarch in history, having previously surpassed her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, to claim the title.
However, the “Sun King”, Louis XIV of France, still holds the record for longest-reigning Monarch, sitting on the throne for 72 years.
A young Prince Charles with The Queen at Gordonstoun (Ninian Reid/Flickr)
The Queen’s Accession Day message included a surprising mention of The Duchess of Cornwall, her eldest son’s second wife. Despite royal courtiers previously suggesting that Camilla would be known as ‘Princess Consort’ when the couple married in 2005, it has recently been rumoured that the Duchess would instead become Queen Consort. In the Accession Day message to mark her Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty expressed her ‘sincerest wish, that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service’.
This is a firm vote of confidence in the outstanding work of The Duchess of Cornwall; in his own Accession Day message, The Prince of Wales recognises the importance of his mother’s words, commenting that he and Camilla are ‘deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother’s wish. 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 heir to the throne’s words seem reminiscent of The Queen’s famous speech, given to mark her Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1997, calling her husband, the late Prince Philip, ‘my strength and stay all these years’. Both Prince Charles and his mother recognise the importance of having a strong partner by their side as they carry out royal work. Camilla has indeed been a steadfast companion to Charles, and in recent years has been recognised for her loyal service to the Crown; in the New Year’s honours list, The Duchess of Cornwall was installed to the Order of the Garter.
In his statement, Prince Charles also acknowledges the opportunity which the Platinum Jubilee provides in allowing the nation to ‘come together in celebrating the service of The Queen, by whose example we will continue to be led in the years to come’.
Following two years of COVID restrictions, the UK will enjoy a special four-day weekend to mark the Platinum Jubilee, with two extra Bank Holidays being created on 2nd and 3rd June 2022.
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