In a striking rebuke of royal protocol, veteran journalist and commentator Peter Hitchens has publicly declared his refusal to refer to Camilla, the Queen Consort, simply as 'Queen'. This act of defiance sends a potent message to the establishment and sets a contentious stage for the upcoming UK state visit of former US President Donald Trump.
The controversy erupted following an official communication, believed to be from Buckingham Palace, which reportedly instructed media figures on the correct terminology. Hitchens, a columnist known for his principled and often contrarian stance, interpreted this not as guidance but as an order—one he felt compelled to disobey on grounds of personal liberty and historical accuracy.
A Matter of Principle and Protocol
At the heart of the dispute lies a nuanced constitutional and semantic argument. While the Palace and the government use the title 'Queen' for public simplicity and consistency, Hitchens argues for precision, maintaining the technically accurate title is 'Queen Consort'. His refusal is framed not as an attack on Camilla personally, but as a stand against what he perceives as the erosion of language and enforced speech.
This is not merely a war of words for Hitchens; it is a battle for the principle of a free press and the right of an individual to speak without coercion from the state or the institution of the monarchy.
The Shadow of Trump's Visit
The timing of this declaration is particularly significant, coinciding with the final preparations for a state visit by Donald Trump. Such visits are meticulously choreographed displays of soft power and diplomatic respect, where protocol is paramount. Hitchens's very public breach of royal etiquette introduces an unexpected element of discord into the proceedings.
It raises questions about the modern relationship between the press, the public, and the palace, and whether centuries-old traditions can withstand modern scrutiny and the assertiveness of commentators like Hitchens.
Defining the Limits of Respect
Hitchens's column forces a public conversation about the nature of respect. Is it demonstrated through strict adherence to titles and protocol, or is genuine respect something that cannot be mandated? By choosing his words carefully, Hitchens asserts that his form of respect—one based on accuracy and intellectual honesty—holds greater value than blind compliance.
The episode highlights the ongoing tension within the UK's constitutional monarchy as it navigates its role in a 21st-century democracy where deference can no longer be automatically assumed.
