Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Jennifer Newton & Abbie Meehan

Royal Family's major title switch-ups, from Prince George to Kate Middleton

While some of the Royal Family's names might seem a little left field, their titles can be even grander and more complicated.

Often, titles change as the royal grows up, gets married, has children and so on, reports the Mirror. As time goes by, these titles can undergo a lot of alterations, depending upon where they are in line to the throne - and major life events in the family.

So, while Kate Middleton is the Princess of Wales, and Prince Edward's wife, Sophie, is known as the Countess of Wessex - these titles may be due an upgrade soon.

READ MORE - Lorraine Kelly unrecognisable in 80s throwback to celebrate TV anniversary

But when will the changes be made?

Prince William

When William married Kate in 2011, he was granted the official title of Duke of Cambridge. He kept this title until last year, when his father ascended the throne, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Charles was named King, and William inherited the title of the Duke of Cornwall, and is now referred to as the Prince of Wales - which is usually reserved for the heir to the throne.

But it is likely that he will also undergo another major title change - but it will only happen when King Charles dies.

That's because when this happens, William will automatically become King and will be known as His Majesty.

Kate Middleton

Kate was also granted an official title when she married Prince William, as she became the Duchess of Cambridge.

Following the death of her grandmother-in-law, the Queen, she then became the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

And when King Charles passes away, she will receive the biggest title upgrade yet - the Queen Consort. She will most likely be known as Queen Catherine - Catherine being her real first name.

Prince George

Despite his young age, Prince George currently sits second in line to the throne, and could see various title changes over his lifetime.

He is currently known as Prince George of Wales but if he chooses to marry, he is likely to be given a dukedom. And when Kate and William become King and Queen, his father may choose to make him Prince of Wales - as it is not automatically given to the heir to the throne.

William and Kate's oldest child Prince George. (PA)

However, the moment he is heir, he will also become Duke of Cornwall, as well as the Duke of Rothesay.

Princess Charlotte

The only daughter of Kate and William is officially known as Princess Charlotte of Wales, but she is also set for some big title upgrades.

When her father becomes King, he could choose to give her the title of Princess Royal, which is usually awarded to the oldest daughter of the monarch.

However, as this title remains for life, Charlotte could only receive the title if the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne, passes away.

There had been reports that her grandfather King Charles wanted to give her the dukedom of Edinburgh - meaning she would be known as the Duchess of Edinburgh. But it is now thought that title will go to another royal.

Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex

Instead of being given a dukedom, Prince Edward was made Earl of Wessex when he married Sophie in 1999. However, he is set to eventually get the title of a duke when it is handed to him by his brother King Charles.

And that the title will be Duke of Edinburgh. This was announced at the time of Edward's wedding, that he would eventually succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh with the blessing of the late Prince Philip and the late Queen.

Sophie is currently the Countess of Wessex, but will become the Duchess of Edinburgh - a courtesy title which was held by the Queen - when the title change eventually occurs.

Archie and Lilibet

Currently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children, Archie and Lilibet, do not hold any titles or HRH style. But given that their grandfather is now King, they may well be entitled to them.

A spokesperson for Debrett's previously told the Mirror: "In 1917, King George V ordered that only the grandchildren of the monarch would be entitled to use the style of prince or princess and HRH, the only exception to this order was that the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales would also be entitled to use the style HRH and Prince.

“In 2012, the Queen issued new Letters Patent that the style of HRH and Prince/Princess would be extended to all of Prince William’s children, not just his eldest son.

“Archie's entitlement to use the style of Prince and HRH will come into force when his grandfather Prince Charles becomes King.”

However, there has been no official announcement on titles for their Sussex children.

READ NEXT:

We shopped with a Tesco Clubcard for 10 essential items to suss out the savings

Paul Burrell shares cancer diagnoses as he fears he 'wont make it to Christmas'

Lorraine tells GMB host 'I'd be worried for your job' after disaster interview

Aldi and Tesco recall popular products over possible safety concerns

Japanese knotweed hotspots across Edinburgh identified in new map

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.