Queen Elizabeth has announced that Camilla will be handed the title Queen when Prince Charles takes the throne, in a stunning royal reversal.
In an address to mark her Accession Day, the 95-year-old said it was her “sincere wish” that the Duchess of Cornwall be known as Queen Consort.
“I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” Her Majesty said.
“Queen Consort” refers to the spouse of a ruling king and would mean “Queen Camilla” as her future title.
There had been suggestions Camilla would be a “Princess Consort”.
The announcement marks a significant shift in the transformation of Camilla, from Prince Charles’ mistress to the next queen.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth on her platinum jubilee, the 70 year anniversary of her accession to the throne.
“I have had the great privilege to meet Her Majesty on several occasions and I have never met anyone more impressive, more remarkable,” he told reporters.
“Her wisdom, her kindness, her sense of duty, is something that I think all of us here in Australia can be very grateful for.
“And so, to you, Her Majesty, from Australia – thank you for all your many years of service and may God Save The Queen.”
The Queen is the first British monarch ever to reach the milestone.
It comes after a particularly difficult year for the monarchy with the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, family division over claims of racism and Prince Andrew facing a lawsuit over sexual assault allegations.
Mr Morrison also issued a statement honouring the Queen.
“Today marks 70 years since The Queen’s accession,” he said.
“Understandably, The Queen traditionally does not mark this day with any joy, as the day marks the anniversary of the passing of her father.”
The Prime Minister said there will be appropriate celebrations later in the year to mark the “extraordinary milestone”.
“For over half of our history as a Federation, The Queen has been our monarch,” Mr Morrison said.
“Most Australians have known no other sovereign. She has been a constant presence in a changing world.”
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has seen 15 prime ministers elected in Australia, the first being Sir Robert Menzies.
Mr Morrison said Australians have “deep respect and affection” for Queen Elizabeth II.
She has “carried out her duties with diligence and dignity” and extended his “gratitude” on behalf of the Australian people, the Prime Minister said.
“She has xjmtzywalways upholded her deep faith as well as her respect for the constitutional tradition she was born into,” he said.
Iconic buildings and monuments across Australia will be lit in royal purple on Sunday to honour the Platinum Jubilee.
“This anniversary is a truly remarkable milestone in a remarkable life,” Mr Morrison said.
Queen Elizabeth II has spent a massive 73 per cent of her life on the throne, overtaking her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in 2015.
