How Kate Middleton's Title Changed with the Queen's Passing

The world was devastated by the news of Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022. Her 45-year reign had been a symbol of stability, and after her death people expected things to change for the British royal family and the rest of the world.

Naturally, there were some major changes in the line of succession, with Elizabeth's son Charles ascending to the throne as the new Sovereign of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. His elder son, Prince William, next in line to the throne, and his wife, Kate Middleton, were also affected by the changes.

For more than a decade since Kate married William, we have referred to the couple as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The media and fans have become so used to the titles that many still use them habitually, even though the couple have taken on new royal roles since Queen Elizabeth's passing.

William and Kate Middleton are now known as The Prince and Princess of Wales. Introduced by Edward I in the early 14th century, the titles have traditionally belonged to the heir to the throne and his spouse. Interestingly, the titles are not granted by default, and there's a whole ceremony of investiture. Charles was named Prince of Wales in 1958 and officially invested by his mother, Queen Elizabeth, more than ten years later.

This time, however, the royal family decided to dispense with all the unnecessary pomp and circumstance, and William and Kate were given the titles by King Charles without any official swearing in. The future Queen Consort and everyone's favorite style icon, Kate Middleton, has been known as Princess of Wales ever since.

The title must mean a great deal to William, as his late mother, Princess Diana, wore it when he was a child. She received it as a result of her marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales himself, and kept it after their divorce until her untimely death in 1997.

When Charles married Camilla in 2005, she refused the title out of courtesy to William and Harry's mother. Now it is time for Kate Middleton to honor her late mother-in-law by wearing the title of Princess of Wales with dignity and diligence. Fortunately, she has plenty of that.