Queen Elizabeth II Finally Clears Speculation on Camilla's Future Title

Her Majesty, the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee today. She ascended the British throne on February 6, 1952, on the death of her father, King George VI from coronary thrombosis. She was in Kenya with Prince Philip at the time of her accession.

She was crowned on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. Since then, she had dedicated her life to the monarchy, extremely devoted to her duty as head of state to her realms and other territories.

The Queen and Prince Philip on Her Majesty's coronation day, June 2, 1953

However, her reign also saw many colonies and protectorates transition to independent nations, nonetheless, she is still one of the most powerful heads of state in the world today, and the oldest monarch in Europe current times.

At 95, the Queen is still sprightly active. However, sorrow is visibly felt on her as she lost her husband of 72 years to illness last year.

The Duke of Edinburgh had been at the Queen's side since her accession to the throne in 1952, and had been her staunchest defender and devoted supporter, who served his role as prince consort for life.

The Queen is in her prime years, thus, speculations whether she will abdicate as she turns 96 this year, and 70 years on the throne, are often raised in public.

But the Queen reiterated her position to serve the monarchy for life as revealed in her official platinum message to the nation.

Here are two pressing questions that are often debated in public, directly addressed by the Queen:

Will she abdicate?

She will not. And vowed to serve the monarchy for life as she had promised to the nation in 1953 during her coronation day. "As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service"

This means that the Prince of Wales, who at 73 years old is the oldest Heir-Apparent in British history, will have to wait longer to fill in the shoes of his mother.

What will be Camilla's title when Charles ascend the throne?

In April 2005, Prince Charles married his mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles. The Church of England, which never gives permission to two divorced persons who caused wrong to their partners, refused to grant a church rite to the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Camilla. They only received a "church blessing" and got married civilly.

This is because their marriages ended in divorce due to accusations of adultery. And it was a public knowledge that Camilla caused Prince Charles's wife, Princess Diana, so much misery. 

However, Her Majesty granted her approval to the marriage due to several agreements reached on both parties:

• Camilla will not be known as Princess of Wales (as this is associated to Princess Diana), to avoid public fury, but will be given a title based on Prince Charles's secondary title - Duke of Cornwall, thus, she became known as Duchess of Cornwall.
• She won't become Queen Consort when Charles ascend the throne, but will be given the title, Princess Consort instead, which is unprecedented in British history.
• The Church of England would not "crown" her as Queen of the United Kingdom because of the controversy she had caused in the British establishment, and for being a divorced woman whose ground of marriage breakup is adultery.

But 2022 is no longer 2005. So much have changed, including the call of times. Her Majesty, herself, acknowledged this change. It's time to move on and offer forgiveness. 

It is a precursor to reconciliation and peace. Pain won't completely eradicate if we continue to hold on to the past. 

The Queen declared Camilla will be Queen when Charles ascend the throne, which puts an end to a debate on the Duchess of Cornwall's future title:

"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 services"

This is Her Majesty's way perhaps of recognizing the dedicated public service given to the monarchy since marrying Prince Charles in 2005.

It is time to move forward from hatred and angst of the past. And begin a new chapter for a new beginning. 

We too, hated Camilla so much especially following the death of the Princess of Wales from car crash. For years, we could not bring ourselves calling her royal highness or Duchess of Cornwall. We felt, these styles are too dignified and she did not deserve it.

But time has change. It's been almost 30 years and we need forward with our journey. We need forgiveness to live in peace. Today, is another day to live and hope for a better life. 

Perhaps, this is what Her Majesty wants as she approaches the twilight of her reign: Forgiveness, moving on, reconciliation and acceptance. Especially at this difficult moment of our lives.