The Prince and Princess of Wales’s children all have the title of Prince or Princess, but this was not always the case. Before the birth of their first child, Prince George, Queen Elizabeth II issued a formal decree to ensure that any future daughters of Prince William and Kate would also be given the title of Princess. This was because, under the previous rules, only the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales was entitled to be made Prince.
The Queen’s decision was made in advance of Prince George’s birth in 2013, but it would have also affected any future daughters of Prince William and Kate. If the change had not been made, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would have been known as Lady Charlotte and Lord Louis, as only their eldest brother would have been given the title of Prince.
In addition to changing the rules for the titles of Prince and Princess, the Queen also made changes to the rules of succession to the throne. The Succession to the Crown Act (2013) states that girls will not be overtaken by any future younger brothers. This means that Princess Charlotte is now second in line to the throne, after her brother Prince George.
The Queen’s changes to the rules of succession and titles were a significant step forward for gender equality in the British monarchy. They ensure that all of Prince William and Kate’s children, regardless of their gender, will have the same opportunities and privileges.
Princess Charlotte is second in line to the throne, after her older brother Prince George. She kept her place in the line of succession above her younger brother Prince Louis, when he was born in April 2018. This is because of the Succession to the Crown Act (2013), which states that girls will not be overtaken by any future younger brothers.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales. They were formerly known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, titles which were given to them on their wedding day in April 2011 by the late Queen.
When William becomes King, George could become the Prince of Wales, but this title is neither automatic nor heritable. It is up to the new King to decide whether or not to give the title to his son.
George, who is second-in-line to the throne, is also expected to one day be King. If he does become King, Charlotte could be given the title of Princess Royal. This is a title traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch. However, the current Princess Royal is Princess Anne, so Charlotte would only be eligible for the title if Anne were to die or abdicate.
George, Charlotte, and Louis could all be given different titles on their wedding days, as traditionally has happened. However, it is likely that they will all retain the titles of Prince or Princess, regardless of their marital status.
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