As the age-old question of succession continues to hover over Buckingham Palace, the royal family faces a period of uncertain transition.
King Charles, who is 75 years old, could potentially be the first to leave this world, setting in motion a series of changes that will reshape the monarchy.
The pressing question on everyone’s mind: *What will happen to Queen Camilla if King Charles dies before her?*
Over the years, Camilla’s role in the royal family has evolved, from the Duchess of Cornwall to the Queen Consort, but if King Charles were to pass away first, her title and position would again be subject to change.
The monarchy is no stranger to challenges surrounding death and succession, as evidenced by the passing of Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II the following year. However, the death of a monarch’s spouse brings about a different set of circumstances, particularly when the consort outlives the sovereign.
Camilla would still be able to wield influence, though not through formal power or political authority. Her position would be more symbolic, one tied to her charitable efforts and social standing, particularly in areas like education, the arts, healthcare, and victims of abuse, causes she has supported during her marriage to Charles. Experts believe that after his passing, she could choose to live at one of the royal estates, like her country home, or continue her work with charitable organizations, perhaps even seeking out new initiatives to pursue.
There are even rumors that Prince William may never see Camilla as part of the royal family, despite her marriage to Charles. Prince Harry, too, has voiced his discomfort with his stepmother, calling her the “third person” in his parents’ marriage and accusing her of engaging in media manipulation to improve her public image. This complicated dynamic raises further questions about Camilla’s future role in royal engagements and whether her influence will remain significant after her husband’s death.
Some sources within the royal household speculate that if this tension persists, it could lead to a rift between Charles and Camilla, possibly even prompting a royal divorce. However, this theory remains highly speculative, as the couple has been married for nearly 20 years, and their relationship has weathered many storms.
Unlike other members of the royal family, Camilla does not have biological children with Charles. She has two children from her previous marriage, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles, neither of whom hold any royal titles. This lack of royal blood could further complicate her position after Charles’s death. The royal family, particularly Prince William and his wife Catherine, may be less inclined to support any future advancement for Camilla’s children within the royal household, especially given the historical tensions and her past relationship with Charles.
With all these elements in play, Camilla’s future after Charles’s death remains uncertain. While she may not hold political power or claim the throne, her role as a “Dowager Queen” will carry weight, especially in public life. But will she remain a prominent figure in royal circles? Can she find a place for her children in a monarchy where they hold no royal titles? Will tensions with Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, continue to strain her status?