Royal insider

Behind Palace gates with Juliet Rieden

- Juliet Rieden

The day was always going to be epoch-making. The current British royal family dates back to 1066 when William the Conqueror became King, and since then no monarch has marked 70 years on the throne until Queen Elizabeth II did so on February 6. Impressive indeed.

Her Majesty’s reign has spanned 15 prime ministers in Australia, 14 in the UK, 16 in New Zealand and more than 170 leaders across the realms. This monarch’s breadth of experience of world events, political upheavals and international movers and shakers is mind-boggling.

But as it turned out, Her Majesty ensured the day would have its place in the history books for another reason entirely, putting out a groundbreaking message on the eve of Accession Day – the anniversary of King George VI’s death and the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign – that reverberated around the world. This was not about the past, nor was it about the present and upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations; this was about securing the future for the House of Windsor, and it concerned her daughter-in-law Camilla.

“When in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support 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 service,” wrote the Queen, in a message to her people signed with a handwritten Your Servant, Elizabeth R.