Duchess Camilla Talks About Future Role As Queen Consort, Says She'll Be A 'Back-Up'

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is aware that being a Queen Consort means being a “back-up.”

The 74-year-old royal opened up about her future role as the wife of Prince Charles and how her late father-in-law, Prince Philip, was a perfect example of how a consort should be in a recent interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, according to People.

Extolling Prince Phillip for being a supportive consort to Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla acknowledged how difficult it might have been for him, a naval commander, to assume the role of a spare tire throughout his wife’s reign. She said, however, that it was from his example that she had learned so much about her future role.

“I learned that your place is several feet behind the monarch,” she explained. “You’re there as a back-up.”

“The Duke of Edinburgh was always a very good ear. He was a role model to me and a very good person to take advice from because he always told me what he thought,” she added.

Camilla may take on the role of Queen Consort when Prince Charles becomes King someday. In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign in February, the queen expressed her “sincere wish” that her daughter-in-law would have the title when the Prince of Wales inherits the throne.

“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,” the Queen noted at the time. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

Buckingham Palace has never addressed Camilla’s future role in the British monarchy at length, although during her and Prince Charles’ engagement, the palace suggested that she use the title of HRH The Princess Consort. To avoid public backlash, however, Clarence House later announced that she would be known as the Duchess of Cornwall.

Prince Charles married Camilla at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2005, nine years after her divorce from the late Princess Diana was finalized. Their romance was initially met with much criticism as their affair was exposed while the Prince of Wales was still married to Princess Diana.