Camilla As Queen

[mikey4444]

I have had a disagreement with a neighbour, over whether Camilla could be Queen or not.

She says that, as a divorcee, she couldn't be Queen. I have told that is nonsense !

Leaving aside any personal views on Camilla, can anyone tell me what the situation is on divorce, and the throne, legally and constitutionally.

[waterboatman]

That's a tricky one mikey. Edward the VIII had to abdicate because of his association with Wallace Simpson. I don't know if it's in the constitution, but things have changed. So I think itquote[could] be possible. It's also possible that Charles will stand aside for William. We can only wait and see.

[albaqwerty]

I don't think we have a written constitution, but will happy to be proved wrong.

Don't think there is anything legally to stop them to becoming king and queen tho.

[mikey4444]

Boaty.....I seem to recall that Mrs Simpson caused all that fuss, not because of any legal reasoning, but due to the more sensitive mores of the time.

But I would still like to know what the constitutional position is. By the way, I would have thought that there is little chance of Charles missing out on his life's ambition in favour of Wills....he has waited an awful long time, after all !

[Tilly2]

How do you know it's Charles' ambition to become King? He might be dreading the time when it comes.

[mikey4444]

I don't Tilly, but I am guessing that even if he is dreading it, its highly unlikely that he will pass on the poisoned chalice to Wills.

[waterboatman]

You're right mikey. I should have said attitudes have changed since then.

Tilly has a point. Charles is getting on a bit.

[murraymints]

can't see Charles stepping aside at any time, although his reign will be a shortish one.. I would have no problem with Camilla as queen..think she is a good stick, he should have married her first

[waterboatman]

I agree minty. but there are reasons why that didn't happen.

[Hopkirk]

How sexist!

Camilla can't be queen because she is divorced?

But Charles is divorced. Does that stop him being King?

[albaqwerty]

yep, she was already married.
(well, so I believe)

[gulliver1]

Tilly2, 7.51 I think Trump felt the same, dreading the time when he had to become president, { joking of course}.

[mikey4444]

Does it really matter who is Queen ? She won't have the constitutional duties of Charles, as Head of State.

[murraymints]

he knew Camilla before she married Mr Bowles but don't think she was considered "tidy" if you get my drift

[NoMercy]

Surely she'll be Queen Consort?

[naomi24]

I don’t think there’s anything in the Constitution to prevent it, but as I understand it, royal marriages require permission from the monarch. Importantly, the monarch is the head of the Church of England and as such, has a duty to uphold its tenets which don’t include acceptance of marriage to a divorcee whose ex-spouse is still living. That is why, although the Queen gave her permission for Charles and Camilla to be married, they were unable to marry in church. There really is nothing to stop Camilla becoming queen.

[Old_Geezer]

He's not marrying into the role Hoppy, she would be.
We have an unwritten constitution in this country.
No reason to care who is in this position of privilege. Pity the opportunity not to retire the whole nonsense won't likely be taken.

[mikey4444]

Thanks Naomi....a very clear and complete answer !

The difficulty might come, if Betty dies suddenly, and then Charles would have give permission himself !

[naomi24]

I don't think Charles will accept a title less than 'queen' for Camilla.

[mikey4444]

I agree, and why should he ?

[bhg481]

So you think he'll abdicate if Camilla can't be queen?