Elizabeth II uses Platinum Jubilee message to elevate Charles' second wife

Prince Charles welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King.

He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honour".

The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, spending the day privately.

In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.

Prince Charles said in a statement: "The Queen's devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.

"We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother's wish. As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout."

The Queen's reign began when she was 25 years old, following the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952.

The monarch said that, 70 years on, the day is one she remembers "as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign".

The 95-year-old said in a written message to the nation: "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 Jubilee is the monarch's first without the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of 73 years, who died last year.