Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has a long list of achievements under his belt. The Duke has secured his status as a senior royal ever since his marriage to Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth almost 70 years ago.

His retirement in 2017 brought some disappointment to many. But even more sobering is that his son’s wife would soon outrank him despite having decades of service in his repertoire.

Queen Elizabeth’s husband holds the title of Duke. This is the same level as Camilla Parker-Bowles’ title of Duchess of Cornwall, which she obtained upon marrying Prince Charles in 2005.

However, as the heir apparent and the first in line to succession, the Prince of Wales is destined to become king. Upon obtaining the most powerful position in the royal family, Camilla in turn would obtain a higher status, that of a queen consort.

As previously reported by Latin Times, titles are obtained either upon birth or bestowed by the reigning monarch during marriage, while succession is determined by blood. For spouses, however, gender plays a major role in what titles are given.

In summary to the titling rules, wives attain the female version of their husband’s title, but husbands aren’t eligible to their wives’ title. As such, Prince Philip would not obtain the title of king despite his wife, Elizabeth, being Queen. But the Duchess of Cornwall would become queen consort once Charles ascends the throne.

“Therefore, Camilla will be a Queen Consort when Charles succeeds his mother,” Harry Kriewaldt, a student of European history, stated on Quora. “Phillip, on the other hand, can’t be a King, since it’s his wife (the Queen Regnant) doing the reigning.”

It has previously been reported that the Duchess of Cornwall preferred the title princess consort rather the queen consort. Camilla supposedly doesn’t want to use the title of queen out of respect to Prince Charles’ departed ex-wife, Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales.

Charles, however, insisted for the title of queen to be used. “When Charles takes to the throne, Camilla will become Queen Consort,” said Charlie Proctor, editor-in-chief of Royal Central.

Royal Family
Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Prince Harry at Madame Tussauds London, Nov. 1, 2016. Luke Rauscher/Flickr

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