Camilla will be Queen: Elizabeth II uses Platinum Jubilee message to elevate Charles' second wife - CNN

London (CNN)Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has used the historic milestone of her Platinum Jubilee to redefine the future of the monarchy, calling for the Duchess of Cornwall to be known as Queen Camilla when Charles becomes King.

When Charles married Camilla in 2005, the couple announced she intended to be known as "Princess Consort" despite having a right to the title of Queen. It was seen as a recognition of the sensitivities around a title that was destined for Charles' first wife, Diana.

It's the same reason Camilla doesn't use the title of Princess of Wales.

The Queen would be expected to consult her direct heirs Charles and William before making such a significant announcement about titles, which suggests they both agreed and felt the British public is ready to accept Camilla as Queen.

The 95-year-old monarch laid out her vision for institution's transition in an extraordinary message released as she reached the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

"I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me," the Queen said.

"And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that 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."

Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

When her father died in 1952, Elizabeth II — then just 25 years old — became the Queen of England.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

King George VI, left, is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, and Princess Margaret as he leaves an airport in London on January 31, 1952. They had waved farewell to Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, who were heading on a royal tour.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

During her royal tour, Princess Elizabeth attends a polo match in Nyeri, Kenya, on February 3, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip wave to Kenyans from the balcony of Nairobi's City Hall on February 4, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Londoners read the news of King George's death on February 6, 1952. He was 56 years old when he died in his sleep from a coronary thrombosis.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

The flag flies at half-staff at Windsor Castle following the King's death.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Prime Minister Winston Churchill leaves St. James's Palace after attending a meeting of the Accession Council, which is automatically summoned on the death of the sovereign.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Elizabeth, now the new Queen, returns from Kenya on February 7, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Elizabeth and Philip are greeted on their arrival in London.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Gerald Wollaston, the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, reads the proclamation of the Queen's accession on February 8, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

A ceremony for the proclamation is held on February 8, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

The Queen and her family arrives for her father's funeral procession on February 15, 1952.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

King George's coffin is guarded at Westminster Hall in London.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Crowds line the route of the King's funeral procession.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

Foreign heads of state and their representatives march in the King's funeral procession.

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Photos: 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne

The funeral procession of King George makes its way through London.

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It's a hugely significant intervention from the monarch, who is the only person who can define royal titles.

Camilla became something of a public pariah following the breakdown of Charles and Diana's union in the mid-90s.

Diana had blamed Camilla for ruining her marriage, saying in a 1995 television interview, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded." A year earlier, Charles had also appeared on television and confessed his infidelity, but maintained he had only been unfaithful once his marriage had crumbled.

Positive public sentiment for the Princess of Wales was only further cemented when she was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997.

In the intervening years, Camilla retreated to the shadows, supporting Charles quietly from a distance.

But as time has gone by, sentiment toward the Duchess of Cornwall has softened. And the Queen's moves to future-proof the monarchy reflects Camilla is no longer viewed as the royal mistress but a central figure in "the firm."

On Saturday, Prince Charles and Camilla announced they were "touched and honoured by Her Majesty's words" according to a spokesperson.

Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI, at the age of 56.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth has often used landmark moments to reaffirm her devotion to her duties, and did so once more in her message on Saturday, despite the fact she is nearing her 96th birthday.

"As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service," she said.

The Queen also expressed "a sense of hope and optimism" for the year ahead, before conveying her gratitude to her family for their support and paying tribute to her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

"I was blessed that in Prince Philip I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it. It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father's reign," she shared.

The monarch ended her message by restating she looked forward "to continuing to serve you with all my heart" and shared her hope her jubilee would provide an opportunity for people to come together after the difficulties of recent years.