If King Charles were to pass away before Camilla, it would raise questions about the future succession of the British monarchy. In such a scenario, the line of succession would follow the established rules and protocols. However, determining the precise outcome can be complex, as it depends on various factors, including legal considerations and the preferences of the individuals involved.
As it stands, the next in line to the throne after Charles is his eldest son, Prince William. If Charles were to die before Camilla, Prince William would likely ascend to the throne as the next in line. His wife, Catherine (commonly known as Kate), would become the Queen Consort, not the Queen Regnant. The title of Queen Consort is given to the wife of a reigning king and does not hold the same constitutional powers and responsibilities as the monarch.
Camilla, as the wife of the late King Charles, would retain the title of Queen Consort, but her position in terms of the line of succession would become uncertain. Since she is not a blood relative of the royal family and her claim to the throne is through marriage, it would be unlikely for her to succeed to the throne herself. Instead, the focus would primarily be on Prince William and his potential role as the next king.
It is important to note that the British monarchy operates under the principle of male-preference primogeniture, which means that male heirs are given priority over female heirs in the line of succession. This principle was altered in 2013 to remove gender discrimination, ensuring that a female child would not be displaced by a younger male sibling. This change became effective after the birth of Prince William and Catherine's first child, Prince George, who would succeed his father in the line of succession.
In the event of Charles's death before Camilla, the question of Camilla's future role becomes more uncertain. She may continue to serve as a member of the royal family, carrying out charitable work and representing the monarchy at certain events. However, her role as Queen Consort would depend on the decisions made by the royal family and the reigning monarch, Prince William.
The decision to designate Camilla as Queen Consort, or potentially another title such as Princess Consort, would be a matter of discretion. It would likely depend on public sentiment, the desires of the individuals involved, and the perception of Camilla's suitability for the role. The issue of her becoming the queen regnant would be highly unlikely due to her position as a non-blood relative of the royal family.
If King Charles were to die before Camilla, Prince William would be next in line to the throne. His wife, Catherine, would assume the role of Queen Consort. The future position of Camilla would depend on various factors and decisions made by the royal family. While she would likely retain the title of Queen Consort, her status in the line of succession would become uncertain, and her potential to become the queen regnant is highly unlikely.
