Princess Kate Middleton's title change was a historic pivot for the royal family
The royal has adopted several titles since joining The Firm...Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been known by many titles in the 14 years she has been with the royal family – but one change was historically significant for The Firm.
On her wedding day, Catherine became the Duchess of Cambridge, alongside William who became the duke. The titles were a gift for their wedding day from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
While Kate became a princess by virtue of marriage, where she could have chosen to be referred to as Princess William, she instead opted for the duchess title. She also gained the titles Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus, as well as the style of Her Royal Highness.
Kate Middleton’s title change when she became the Princess of Wales
When Charles became king, taking over from Queen Elizabeth II, William inherited the Prince of Wales title. This means mum-of-three Kate Middleton’s title also changed from the Duchess of Cambridge to the Princess of Wales.
That title was held by William and Prince Harry’s late mother Princess Diana.
Meanwhile, William will eventually become king as the role of monarch is passed down from his father Charles. He may be known as King William, unless he chooses to rule under another name, while Kate could be referred to as Queen Catherine.
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However, due to Kate not having royal blood, she’ll be known as a Queen consort. Although, following the same pattern as Queen Consort Camilla, over time, out of ease and respect, many refer to the royal as simply Queen Camilla.
Kate also has several other titles, including Duchess of Cornwall – inherited from Queen Camilla – Countess of Chester and Duchess of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and Countess of Carrick and Baroness of Renfrew when visiting Northern Ireland. The royal also became a Lady of the Isles.
Kate Middleton’s title change includes those in the military too. she is the Colonel of the Irish Guards, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the RAF Coningsby and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets.
King Charles bestows new title on Kate
In April 2024, King Charles was behind another title change for Kate Middleton.
The Princess of Wales was honoured by the monarch on St George’s Day, just over 18 months after she took on Diana’s previous title.
Buckingham Palace announced a new list of honours which named Kate as a Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.
She was the first member of the royal family to be appointed to the Companions of Honour. Founded by King George V – King Charles’ great-grandfather, the Order recognised outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service.
Although there are 65 other members in the Order, Kate was the first royal to be bestowed the honour, marking history for The Firm. It was a sign of support between the king and Kate, who revealed they had been diagnosed with individual cancer diagnoses within weeks of each other.
She joined other famous faces within its members, including Elton John and Paul McCartney.
Princess Kate Middleton’s title change came after she has been a longtime supporter of the arts. The royal is the patron of the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Photographic Society and the V&A.
Her husband William was also awarded an honour, as the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath title. His father held the title, but relinquished it when he ascended the throne two years earlier. He passed it down to his heir.
Whereas, Charles appointed Queen Camilla Grand Master and First or Principle Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Prince Philip, the late husband of the former monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, previously held the title.
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