'Camilla becoming Queen is disloyal to Diana - it's a betrayal and a step too far'

The announcement that Camilla will be Queen is…. confusing to say the least.

On one hand, the current Queen, as she reminded us in her statement, has lived “a life always devoted to your service”, clocking up a whopping 70 years so far.

She’s more than earned the right to have her wishes carried out, whatever they are.

If she wants us to refer to Charles as Lampshade when he takes over, and Camilla as Frankincense Banana, we should just do it, no questions asked.

And, yes, Camilla being called Queen feels important so she won’t be reduced to second-class submissive arm candy for her husband but will have her own equal title, standing and independent role.

Camilla has worked hard to win round the Royal Family, especially as she and Charles started an affair while he was still married to Diana (Getty Images)

But the Queen has given her the ultimate accolade: acceptance (Getty Images)

Obviously Camilla being so clearly, publicly accepted as a member of the family is a pleasing touch of togetherness for one so openly fractured at the moment. It’s a significant gesture on many levels.

But, but, but… as much as all that is true, and it would be so nice to just end there, it’s not possible, because… Diana.

For those of us who were fans, this can only be seen as a betrayal, a travesty, literally the opposite of What She Would Have Wanted for the third person in her marriage. As much as we all want to move on, with the times, it feels disloyal to accept Camilla being Queen. Like white-washing history. Forgiving unforgivable behaviour.

Diana and Camilla pictured together at Ludlow Races in 1980 (Getty Images)

Charles and Diana's marriage was marred by Camilla's presence, Diana told the BBC in her bombshell interview (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

There’s a sense of deep injustice that this woman who caused so much pain – not alone, of course it takes two to tango – is now rewarded with this honour. Is it too much to say that it might also set a dangerous precedent? That it may make Camilla a role model for little girls once they learn that being The Other Woman now comes with a fairytale ending, complete with priceless 1937 crown containing the Koh-i-Noor diamond?

The truth is that this didn’t really need to happen. No one really expected Camilla to be Queen, because we’re all well accustomed to a sovereign and her significant other with a different title, after decades of Liz’n’Phil.

Camilla mainly quietly in the background could be overlooked. Thrusting her centre stage like this is a step too far.