Will Camilla Parker Bowles Have Access To Queen Elizabeth II's Jewels?

Queen Elizabeth II, sooner or later, will pass the throne to Prince Charles through abdication or death. There is no question that Prince Charles will become king, but much debate is given on whether Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become queen consort. If Camilla Parker Bowles does, will she inherit Her Majesty’s jewels?

The status of Camilla in the royal family is already quite complex, from her title to her actual footing in the lives of Prince William and Prince Harry. It will become even more complicated if it would involve talks about her future title, and maybe about inheritance.

Queen Elizabeth II has amassed pieces of jewelry during her reign as Queen, and some of them belong to The Crown and are now passed on to her. When Queen Elizabeth II steps down or dies, there is a big possibility that Camilla will have access to, but not necessarily inherit, these jewels, either personal or owned by The Crown.

Her access, however, is limited, as suggested by Margaret Shannon in Quora. Future queens and queens consort will have access to several pieces, including Queen Victoria’s three-diamond bow brooches and the George IV diadem owned by The Crown.

The Duchess of Cornwall will also have access to tiaras and other royal standard jewels that the previous queens wore. Access to these pieces will be Camilla’s right as queen consort.

However, she will not have access to these: the Imperial State Crown, St Edward's Crown, the scepter with dove, the scepter with Cullinan I, the Sword of Offering and other ceremonial jewels. These pieces can only be worn by the sovereign.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewels can be passed on to whomever she wants. It is more likely that she will bequeath them to Prince Charles rather than to Camilla, and Prince Charles will decide who can use the jewels.

But Camilla has a collection of jewels herself. During Prince Charles and Camilla’s visit to Saudi Arabia in 2006, Saudi Arabia gifted Camilla with a $3.9 million worth of necklaces. The Duchess of Cornwall also owns a ruby necklace, whose value is $3.9 million.

However, it is said that Camilla will not be able to keep her collected jewels. It appears that according to protocols, jewels received during official duties will be passed down to the monarch next in line. Consequently, Prince William will inherit the jewels.