As Camilla will be crowned Queen at King Charles' coronation, why was Prince Philip not made King?

In a month’s time, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will enter Westminster Abbey for the coronation that will see Elizabeth II’s eldest son officially crowned monarch.

The invitations have been sent out, final arrangements are being set with Prince George handed a crucial role, the official portrait has been released and the 2,000 guests from around the world are sending back their RSVPs, all as the palace confirmed Camilla will be known as ‘Queen’ from 6 May.

King Charles’ wife has donned the moniker Queen Consort since the late Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September last year, seeing a shift in the monarchy as when the couple married in 2005, royal aides insisted that the former Ms Parker Bowles wanted to be known as the first Princess Consort in history.

However, the name change came after Elizabeth II, who was the sole monarch for 70 years, detailed her wish for Camilla to become Queen in the event of her death:

“I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me. And 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; 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,” the late monarch said.

The palace, which has been referring to Camilla as Queen Consort in the early months of King Charles’ reign, detailed that the May coronation is an ‘appropriate time’ to start using Queen Camilla’s name in ‘official capacity’.

The name change may not come as a surprise to some as the Telegraph states, “all former Queen Consorts have been known as ‘Queen’ plus their first name,’”, seeing Charles’ grandmother named as Queen Elizabeth upon King George VI’s succession to the throne, according to the Royal Family website.

When King George passed away and his daughter Elizabeth became monarch, Queen Elizabeth then chose to go by the name Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother.

While Camilla’s name seems to follow a royal tradition (albeit the couple are trying to rebrand away from traditional values for the coronation), there has been some confusion as to why Prince Philip was not called King during his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II.

The simple answer for this is that different rules apply to ladies marrying into the royal family opposed to men.

Before his death in 2021, Prince Philip was known as the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Consort after Elizabeth made him a prince of the UK in 1957, but never assumed the title of King.

Born as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, Charles’ father relinquished his titles to marry the former Queen Elizabeth.

The longstanding royal rule is that a man who marries into the royal family or ties the knot with a reigning monarch will only have the title of prince consort as the name ‘King’ is reserved solely for those who inherit the throne like King Charles.

In comparison, women who marry are allowed to take on the name queen consort when their husband becomes king - evident from the upcoming coronation.

Furthermore, when Prince William becomes King, it is most likely that Catherine will be known as Queen Consort too.

It must be noted that although they have differing rules for their names, the Queen Consorts do not have the power to rule as their partner who inherits the throne is the sole monarch.