Several members of the Royal Family have hugely important official styles that date back centuries – whether it is the Prince of Wales or the Duchess of Edinburgh. Looking ahead to the future, three of King Charles’ grandchildren are expected to carry many different titles in their lifetimes, some of which hold huge historical and political importance.
And while it is likely that Prince George and Prince Louis will eventually take on some important senior royal titles, their sister Princess Charlotte is expected to carry a title that has significant ties to history.
Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born on May 2, 2015, at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London and lives with her family at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate. The princess’s official title is Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales, and she sits third in line to the throne.When King Charles succeeded, Prince William became The Prince of Wales, and, as a result, his three young children’s last names changed from Cambridge to Wales.As well as The The addition of Cornwall to the title comes from the most senior Dukedom which is held by the Prince of Wales. Following Prince William’s official ceremony, Princess Charlotte and her brothers will become Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Wales.
But looking even further ahead into the future, Princess Charlotte would be in line to inherit a historic title when Prince William is king.
The Princess Royal is typically the eldest daughter of the monarch and it works in much the same way as the Prince of Wales title for both senior and high-ranking members of the Royal Family. There have only been seven Princess Royals, the first of whom was Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria.
Following Princess Mary, the other Princess Royals include Princess Louisa Maria (daughter of King James II and VII), Princess Anne (King George II), Princess Charlotte (King George III), Princess Victoria (Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (King Edward VII), Princess Mary (King George V) and Princess Anne (Queen Elizabeth II).While the rights of primogeniture do come into play, the inheritance of the title is not guaranteed if the previous holder is still alive.When King George V died his daughter Mary was still the Princess Royal, meaning that when King George VI came to the throne his daughter Princess Elizabeth could not inherit the title even though she would have been eligible to hold it.
Unlike other styles, when the Princess Royal dies the title is not automatically inherited by her eldest daughter, it instead goes back to the monarch to bestow it upon their own daughter, if they have one.
As King Charles has no daughters, it is likely the Princess Royal title will be held in suspension once Princess Anne passes away, but will be re-granted to Princess Charlotte once her father becomes king.
But Charlotte isn’t the only one of the Wales children who will see a major title change in their future. When Prince William is on the throne, Prince George will be eligible to become The Prince of Wales – making him the 28th incumbent, and, in all likelihood Prince Louis will be granted a senior Dukedom.
