Queen marks Platinum Jubilee as she backs Camilla to become Queen Consort

The Queen has become the first British monarch in history to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, using the occasion to express her “sincere wish” that Camilla will be known as Queen Consort when the Prince of Wales becomes King.

As Queen Elizabeth II reaches her 70th year on the throne, she has set out her hopes for her daughter-in-law.

The Queen, who came to the throne when she was just 25, is spending her Accession Day privately on the Sandringham estate in remembrance of her father George VI, whose death marked the start of her reign.

This Jubilee is her first without the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of 73 years, who died last year.

The Queen’s reign has stretched from the post-war years through a new millennium and into the 21st century.

Her time on the throne has seen 14 prime ministers from the Second World War leader Sir Winston Churchill to the present Boris Johnson.

There are now three generations of future monarchs, with these being Charles, the Queen’s grandson the Duke of Cambridge, and great-grandson Prince George.

National celebrations marking the Queen’s record-breaking service on the throne will be staged during a special four-day bank holiday weekend from 2-5 June.

‘It is my sincere wish that Camilla will be known as Queen Consort’

The Queen used her Jubilee to share her succession blessing for her eldest son as monarch, and called on the nation to support the pair in their future roles as King and Queen.

The Queen, 95, said in the written message to the nation: “I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. 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.”

Charles and Camilla were “touched and honoured” by the Queen’s gesture, Clarence House said.