The former Duchess of Cambridge intends to “create a new path” as she takes on her role as Princess of Wales, she has said.
King Charles confirmed the change to the roles of heir apparent Prince William and his wife in his first speech to the nation as monarch on Friday evening.
He said: “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 centre ground where vital help can be given.”
The Princess of Wales title has been used since the 14th century by the wife of the heir apparent to the English, and later British, throne.
It has not been formally used since William and Harry’s mother Diana died in 1997, when William was 15 – and is likely to be hugely emotive for many because of the close associations with her.
When Camilla married Charles in 2005, the decision was taken that she would not use the title despite her being entitled to do so, out of respect for Diana.
The former Kate Middleton is the daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton, a businessman and former air stewardess. She met William while studying history of art at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. They married in 2011.
During her marriage, Catherine, 40, has demonstrated charitable interests in early years development, mental health, art, sport and addiction.
In February 2022, she made a surprise appearance in CBeebies Bedtime Stories where she read The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson as the conclusion of Children’s Mental Health Week.
In May, she and William voiced the Mental Health Minute message, which was broadcast on every radio station in the UK, asking listeners to help people around them who suffer from loneliness.
It is believed that in her more senior role within the family, she is likely to undertake more royal engagements and take on more patronages.
A source said: “The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”
The royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “William and Kate have concentrated on fewer charities than Charles, but done more for those they have chosen.
“Kate has been increasingly hands-on and has shown a particular interest in early-years development, so I imagine she would like her legacy to show that she made a difference in that area.
The problem of comparison with Diana won’t arise because Kate is not Camilla – and because things have moved on.
I think a reconciliation with the Sussexes could well be on the cards – there is strength in stability, yes, but there is weakness in division.”
Catherine remained in Windsor with the pair’s children, George, Charlotte and Louis, on Thursday when William travelled to Balmoral to be with the Queen after she was placed under medical supervision.
The couple recently moved from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage, a more modest four-bedroom house on the Queen’s Windsor Castle estate. The children were enjoying their first day at nearby Lambrook School when their great-grandmother died.
In his address, King Charles confirmed that William would also assume the Scottish title of Duke of Rothesay, and Catherine becomes Duchess of Rothesay – a title she can use on visits to Scotland if she prefers.
William and Catherine also succeed Charles and Camilla as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. They remain the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but the new titles take precedence.
