Britain: Camilla Parker Bowles will automatically become queen when the Prince of Wales succeeds to the throne unless there is a change in the law, the British government confirmed last night.
The Department for Constitutional Affairs admitted legislation would be needed, no matter what Mrs Parker Bowles wished to call herself when Charles becomes king, to prevent this happening.
Clarence House has previously insisted that the government agreed with its view, taken from legal advice, that it was only a convention for the wife of the king to be known as queen. The prince's aides did admit, when the engagement was announced, that legislation might be needed to tidy the issue up later on.
Mrs Parker Bowles will be known as the Duchess of Cornwall and intends to take the title Princess Consort when the prince accedes the throne.
A spokeswoman confirmed that legislation would be needed for her not to become queen automatically on Prince Charles's succession. Asked about other countries where he would become head of state, the spokeswoman replied: "I think you are right in thinking it would require legislation for her not to be queen."
Earlier yesterday, the British government said the marriage would not be "morganatic", meaning she would become queen automatically unless legislation is passed.