Understanding the Titles for Crown Wives Posthumously: Queen Consort vs. Queen Mother

When discussing the titles of wives to the heir apparent to the British throne, one might wonder what happens to these wives if they pass away before their husband ascends to the throne. In particular, the term Queen Consort is a term that often arises in such discussions. However, is it ever appropriate for a deceased wife of the heir apparent to be referred to as HM Queen Consort posthumously? This article explores the intricacies of these titles and their usage.

The Non-Use of Queen Consort Posthumously

Traditionally, the term Queen Consort is strictly reserved for the wife of a reigning King. Therefore, in the scenario where the heir apparent's wife dies before the ascension to the throne and the Prince does not remarry, she would not be titled HM Queen Consort posthumously. Instead, she would retain the title she held during her lifetime. For example, if George VI had passed away before the abdication, the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, would have been referred to posthumously as Dowager Duchess of York rather than a Queen Consort.

The Role of the Queen Mother

In the case of a Queen Mother, the term refers to a woman who was never a queen herself but has a close relationship with the reigning queen. The term is typically applied to the mother or mother-in-law of the queen. For instance, Queen Victoria's mother, despite never holding the title of Queen, was still referred to as Queen Mother posthumously due to her significant role in the royal family.

Titles for Wives of Heir Apparents

For the wife of the heir apparent to the throne, the situation is different. If the heir apparent's wife passes away and the Prince does not remarry, she will still retain her current title, such as HRH The Princess of Wales or HRH The Dowager Princess of Wales. This is because the title of Queen Consort is reserved for the wife of a reigning king. Thus, even if the couple's child later ascends to the throne, the mother-in-law would not be granted the title of Queen Mother unless she had previously been a queen.

Historical Precedents and Exceptions

Historically, there are very few instances where a woman has been referred to as Queen Consort posthumously. For example, Queen Helen of Romania was posthumously referred to as the Queen Consort, despite her husband initially refusing to acknowledge her as such. However, this is a rare exception and not the norm. Typically, a woman who did not reign herself would be referred to by her title at death.

The Future of the Titles

For instance, if Prince Charles were to pass away before ascending to the throne, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, would likely remain the Duchess of Cornwall rather than being granted a new title. Similarly, if Princess Anne or any other heir apparent's wife were to pass away, they would remain known by their current title, such as HRH The Princess Royal.

Conclusion

In summary, the terms Queen Consort and Queen Mother have specific meanings in the British royal family hierarchy. The wife of the heir apparent to the throne, if she dies before the ascension of her husband and the husband does not remarry, would remain known by her current title and would not be referred to as HM Queen Consort posthumously. Instead, the term would apply to women who were not queens themselves but who had an important role in the royal family, such as the mothers of queens.

The distinction between these titles is crucial for maintaining the proper protocol and historical accuracy within the British royal family. Therefore, it is essential to understand and correctly use these titles to ensure the integrity of the royal family's structure.