Camilla is acknowledged as Queen on coronation invitations for the first time

On invitations to the coronation on May 6, the title “Queen Camilla” will formally be used for the first time.

The Queen Consort title has been used up until now to refer to the King’s wife in official papers and public releases.

She has been using the title since since Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September of last year. In a letter she wrote to her during the Platinum Jubilee, the late monarch suggested she adopt it.

Both Charles and Camilla will be crowned at the ceremony in a month’s time, although the King’s coronation will be the grandest element of the day.

The official invitation, released publicly yesterday, is heavily decorated with symbolic flowers and an appearance from the legendary figure of the Green Man.

Each of the British wildflowers on the letter’s edges appear three times, referencing Charles’s position as the third King with his name.

Invitees are asked to attend by the Earl Marshal, a role currently filled by Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, who is in charge of overseeing the big day.

Further details about the coronation have been emerging as it draws nearer, with Buckingham Palace revealing nine-year-old Prince George will have an important role as one of eight Pages of Honour.

MANDATORY CREDIT: Buckingham Palace EDITORIAL USE ONLY This photograph can not be used after 0001 Tuesday May 9, 2023, without prior permission from Buckingham Palace. Any questions relating to the use of the photographs should be first referred to Buckingham Palace before publication. The photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photographs (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-news editorial use. The photographs must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form. Undated handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the invitation to the May 6 Coronation of King Charles III, which will be issued in due course to over 2,000 guests who will form the congregation in Westminster Abbey. The invitation has been designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator, and a Brother of the Art Workers' Guild, of which the King is an Honorary Member. The original artwork was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache, and the design, which recalls the Coronation Emblem, will be reproduced and printed on recycled card, with gold foil detailing. Issue date: Tuesday April 4, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL King. Photo credit should read: Buckingham Palace/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
The full invitation features flowers, insects, birds, heraldic beasts and the Green Man at the bottom (Picture: Buckingham Palace/PA)

Meanwhile, the White House is reported to be sending First Lady Jill Biden to attend the ceremony in the place of her husband President Joe Biden.

His absence follows historical precedent, as no US president has ever attended the coronation of a British monarch.

However, at the end of last month the Telegraph quoted a source as saying there ‘may still be some efforts under way to see if Biden can be persuaded to come to the coronation’.

The most significant question mark, however, concerns the attendance of Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It is believed that the couple have received the ornate invitation already, but they have not given any indication of whether it has been accepted.

One scenario that has been floated involves Prince Harry coming along to the ceremony while his wife stays in California to look after their three children.

Matters are complicated by the fact their eldest son Archie has his fourth birthday on May 6, the same day as the coronation.

Royal staff are reportedly working on the assumption the pair will be attending.