Why Prince Philip never became a King Consort - as Camilla is awarded Queen title for King Charles coronation

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Camilla will be acknowledged as Queen Camilla for King Charles III’s coronation, yet Prince Philip was never a King despite being married to Queen Elizabeth.

King Charles III was passed the crown following the death of  Queen Elizabeth II and is set to be officially crowned in May. His wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, who before the Westminster Abbey ceremony has been recognised as Queen Consort, will become the new Queen.

Her Majesty’s tragic passing in September 2022 brought a number of title changes throughout The Royal Family. These included Prince Edward becoming the Duke of Edinburgh, and William and Kate becoming the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

But eagle-eyed fans of the royals would have noticed that Camilla was awarded the Consort title due to being the wife of Charles, yet the late Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, never once became King Consort, let alone a King - but why?

Royal titles often come with strict traditions, restrictions, and along with that, confusion. Here is everything you need to know about what it means to be a King Consort or a Queen Consort in The Royal Family.

Why Prince Philip was never a King or a King Consort

Prince Philip, who died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99, was a highly regarded member of The Royal Family and held the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Consort titles.

He was initially born with the official title of Prince of Greece and Denmark but relinquished them to marry Queen Elizabeth II, who then made him a Prince of the United Kingdom in 1957. Despite this, he was never once known as a King or King Consort.

This is because of a longstanding royal rule which states that a man who marries a reigning queen can only become a Prince Consort. The title of King is reserved only for a reigning monarch that has inherited the throne, such as King Charles III.

Note that as with most royal traditions, rules are different for men and women which is why Camilla Parker-Bowles can become both Queen Consort and Queen of England. Women who marry into the family are allowed to use the titles as soon as their husbands are anointed as king.

The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth can only have one sole monarch. Despite Camilla being named Queen or Queen Consort, Charles is the only leading royal that has the power to rule.

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