Newly reigning King Charles III officially named his wife Camilla as Queen Consort in his first speech after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died.
The 73-year-old monarch bestowed the title on his wife, formerly the Duchess of Cornwall, during a televised speech recorded in Buckingham Palace’s Blue Drawing Room on Friday.
“I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort,” he said.
“I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much,” he added.
In addition, the King of Great Britain officially named his son Prince William, now heir to the throne, and his wife Kate Middleton as Prince and Princess of Wales.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles assumed the role of King and gave Prince William and Kate, former Duchess of Cambridge, the titles previously held by him and the late Princess Diana.
“As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades,” he added.
King Charles expressed his pride in naming his elder son “Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.”
The monarch also said he knew Prince William and his wife, Catherine, would continue to “inspire and lead” national conversations and provide vital help.
According to royal tradition, the reigning British King’s eldest son and his wife take the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, respectively.
In his historic speech, King Charles III also acknowledge his youngest son Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.
“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” he said.
Now that his father has become King, the Duke of Sussex is fifth in line to the throne, with his children Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Mountbatten Windsor being sixth and seventh in line, respectively.
