Uh, Apparently Kate Middleton Once Considered Not Using the Princess of Wales Title
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Kate Middleton already has a handful of titles thanks to being a casual member of the British royal family. And she has even *more* now that her father-in-law, Prince King Charles III, is the latest monarch of England after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022. So how have Kate’s titles changed and evolved amid this Charlesian Era*? Let’s dive in.
*Not a thing, trying to make it one, thanks.
First, a Refresher on Kate Middleton’s Titles When Queen Elizabeth Was Alive
Kate was technically a princess of the United Kingdom, but “princess” was her occupation, not her title. Her titles under the Queen’s rule were, however…
The Duchess of Cambridge: A hereditary title bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II on Kate when she married Prince William.
The Countess of Strathearn: Kate’s initial title in Scotland, also bestowed on her upon marriage to Prince William by the Queen.
Lady Carrickfergus: Kate’s initial title in Northern Ireland, also given to her upon entry into the royal family by Queen Elizabeth II.
The Titles Kate Got After Charles Became King
Princess of Wales: Charles confirmed he was handing his previous title, Prince of Wales, over to Prince William. (The title is traditionally given to the heir apparent, aka Will.) This meant that now Kate would be the new Princess of Wales, a title last held by Princess Diana because Charles’s second wife, Duchess Camilla, chose not to use it out of respect.
Charles confirmed all of this in his first speech as King Charles III, saying the following:
“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall, which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given."
While it was possible Kate could have avoided using the title, royal experts at the time seemed to think she would use it...which she did! “It’s hard to see it not happening. I’m sure it’ll be a bit of a bittersweet moment,” a source told The Telegraph in January 2022. “This is her [Diana’s] son and his wife, so in some ways, it will be coming full circle—but it will also be a poignant reminder of what we all lost.”
And speaking of Diana...
An aside: According to a new biography, Kate actually almost *did* turn down the use of the title Princess of Wales. “In marrying the elder son of Prince Charles, Catherine was aware she’d one day have to tread in her late mother-in-law’s footsteps—but the prospect of becoming the Princess of Wales held little appeal,” pens Robert Jobson in an excerpt from his new book Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
“She knew she’d inevitably be compared with Diana, whose untimely death had provoked such a tsunami of anger and grief. And she was right. The similarities and differences between the two women were dissected ad infinitum, and even discussed in the royal household...Kate found all such talk stressful. Indeed, it got to the point where she felt she might follow Camilla (who opted to become Duchess of Cornwall) in refusing—when the time came—to be known as HRH Princess of Wales.”
The more ya know! But anyway...back to Kate's other titles.
Duchess of Cornwall: William is also the Duke of Cornwall now that Charles is the King, as it’s also traditionally granted to the heir apparent. This makes Kate the Duchess of Cornwall, a title that was previously held by Charles’s wife Camilla.
Duchess of Rothesay: Just like the Cornwall and Wales titles, the Scottish Rothesay title is typically held by the heir apparent, which means Will has it, making Kate the Duchess of Rothesay (a title also formerly held by Camilla).
The Title Kate Will Get When *William* Is King
Queen! Freaking! Consort! She’ll likely go by Queen Catherine/Queen Kate to keep things simple, though. If you aren’t familiar with what a queen consort is, we have a whole explainer on the different types of queens over here (FYI, there are a bunch), but basically, it’s the spouse of a ruling king. In other words, Kate will be called “queen,” but the addition of “consort” makes it clear she has no constitutional power and is a queen in title only.
In conclusion: Kate’s titles are an ever-changing mood, but once she’s a queen, she’s pretty much peaked.
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