IT is decidedly not the best way to start married life - with a divided public which simply cannot stomach the prospect of a Queen Camilla.

Now, it appears, after categoric denials that Prince Charles' new bride will be known as Queen should he accede the throne, the backlash is likely to blight what is ambiguously known as the Happy Day next month.

The Prince's advisers have been previously blandly claiming that Camilla will be known as the Princess Consort, but a spokesman for the Department for Constitutional Affairs has admitted that the current Mrs Parker Bowles would, in fact, be Queen.

Like a percentage of the population, my initial reaction to the announcement of their engagement was "well, about time". Many people, however, were much more vociferous against the union and positively bitter about the couple's perceived treatment of Princess Diana.

This latest news will scarcely endear the couple to the British public, and it could cause a wave of national feeling against them at what should be a enjoyable time.

Part of the problem is that it is very hard to imagine Charles as King, let along Camilla as his Queen. Camelot this is not.

But whether we realise it or not, we have been spoilt by the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

She came to the throne as a young woman and her years as our figurehead have not only been internationally successful but very professionally performed.

The Duke of Edinburgh may have prompted some unwelcome headlines with thoughtless comments.

But throughout all this, Her Majesty, has endured. She has continued about her duties at home, travelled abroad and been regal to her subjects and to other monarch's subjects.

Try to imagine Charles and Camilla doing the same and it's difficult.

It is probably far easier to envisage Prince William on the throne.

But if there is one thing the whole current furore has reinforced it is one united sentiment: long may our (current) Queen reign over us.