What happens to Camilla if the King dies? The burning question everyone’s asking

What would Queen Camilla’s title be if King Charles III were to die?

No, don’t worry! There’s nothing to suggest the King’s health is in ill condition, but this is the burning question on everyone’s lips despite Charles only recently ascending the throne on May 6, 2023.

The first official portrait of His Majesty The King following his Coronation on 6th May.

???? Hugo Burnand pic.twitter.com/NTVEsRAIGV

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 8, 2023

While the question is a bit morbid, it’s certainly valid to consider given that since the coronation, King Charles’ former mistress, Camilla, has decided to go by the title of Queen, opting to forgo the traditional title of Queen Consort.

An official portrait of Her Majesty The Queen following her Coronation on 6th May.

???? Hugo Burnand pic.twitter.com/XqCYC1jqik

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 8, 2023

The purpose of the Consort title is mostly a reminder that while married to royalty, the Consort has no birthright or royal blood, and therefore, does not possess equal authority, political influence, or military powers.

However, despite choosing to be recognised as Queen, Camilla is still officially the Queen Consort.

Unlike the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose official title was the Queen Regnant, if the King were to die before Camilla, her title would in fact change, taking her from Queen Consort to Queen Dowager.

A similar title change would also be given to the Princess of Wales when Prince William eventually ascends to the throne following King Charles’ passing.

This would result in her becoming Queen Consort Catherine.

Wearing the formal robe and mantel, at the request of the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Westminster with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. https://t.co/cbuKGZhsBB pic.twitter.com/kE890e0tSE

— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) May 6, 2023

Unlike Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who chose to be addressed as Queen Mother rather than using the more technically accurate title of Queen Dowager, Camilla will not be granted the title of Queen Mother when William ascends to the throne.

This is because Camilla is not the biological mother of her husband’s children.

While Camilla would maintain the privileges associated with being royalty, the Dowager title signifies that a person is now a widow of a royal spouse, and no longer addressed as Queen.

Past Queen Dowagers include the likes of Catherine Parr, the final wife of Henry VIII, and Mary of Teck, the grandmother of the recently deceased Queen.