KATE, DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE, is sadly not a princess despite being one of the most beloved members of the Royal Family. But why exactly is she not a princess?
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will one day sit beside Prince William when he ascends the throne. Prince Charles’ first wife was widely known as Princess Diana, but the Duchess of Cambridge is not known as Princess Kate. So why exactly is this the case?
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, joined the Royal Family in 2011 when she married Prince William.
The couple had dated for several years after meeting at university.
Since that time they have had three children together: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But in a family of princes and princesses, Kate is the only one who is not known by a Princess title.
Kate Middleton title: Why was Diana a Princess but Kate is not? (Image: GETTY)
Kate Middleton title: Kate married Prince William in 2011 (Image: GETTY)
Upon Prince William and Kate’s marriage in 2011, the Queen gifted William with a dukedom.
This dukedom endowed the couple with a new name, making them become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
But this is not the only title she holds.
When in Scotland, Kate is known as the Countess of Strathearn and while in Northern Ireland, she is known as Lady Carrickfergus.
Kate Middleton title: Prince William was gifted a dukedom in 2011 (Image: GETTY)
Kate Middleton title: Royal women tend to hold titles such as duchess, princess, countess or baroness (Image: GETTY)
In the Royal Family, royal women hold the following royal titles:
- Princess
- Duchess
- Countess
- Baroness.
In spite of her stature and position, Kate is still not known as Princess Kate.
Typically the princess title is reserved for biological descendants of the reigning monarch.
This means Kate’s daughter Charlotte is able to use the princess title where she does not.
The following royal women, all of which are directly related to the Queen, hold the Princess title in their own right:
- Princess Anne
- Princess Beatrice
- Princess Eugenie
- Princess Charlotte.
Kate Middleton title: Diana was unofficially known as Princess Diana (Image: GETTY)
Kate Middleton title: Kate is technically a princess through her marriage (Image: GETTY)
Many royal watchers have been quick to point out that Diana, Princess of Wales, was not a direct relative of the Queen and yet was known as Princess Diana.
However, this was never her official title, instead, it was a name given unofficially by members of the public because of how beloved she was.
Princess Diana was officially Diana, Princess of Wales, taking her title from Prince Charles and his role as Prince of Wales.
To use the Princess title officially, Diana would have been Princess Charles, taking the title from her husband.
Kate, therefore, is technically a princess in this same vein through her marriage to Prince William.
The Duchess of Cambridge is able to only use the princess title as Princess William.
But she will never hold the title of Princess Kate officially.
It is, however, possible she will be named as such by the public once Prince Charles becomes King and Prince William becomes the next Prince of Wales, making Kate, Princess of Wales.
All women who marry princes within the Royal Family are therefore princesses through their husbands.
Therefore Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is also officially Princess Harry, Duchess of Sussex.
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
