Since her birth, Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, has been known as “Princess Charlotte of Cambridge,” and in 2022, she received the title of “Princess of Wales,” an honor she shares with her father.
However, this specific title is temporary, as many believe that Charlotte will lose it the day her father ascends to the throne, even her title of “princess” would be at stake.
Princess Charlotte could lose her ‘Princess’ title?
This theory seems unlikely: Charlotte was a princess from the day she was born, and the royal lineage ensures that she will remain so.
A key case in this discussion is that of Princess Anne, Charlotte’s second aunt. Anne, in addition to being known for her tireless work in the royal family, holds the title of “princess royal”, a recognition reserved only for the eldest daughters of the monarch.
At 74, Anne remains an example of loyalty to the monarchy and her status as princess has never been questioned, despite the transformations in the royal family over the years.
Anne was also Princess of Wales while her mother, Elizabeth II, reigned, and her title only changed when, in 1987, the Queen bestowed upon her the badge of Princess Royal.
This special title is not automatically inherited; it is bestowed, and has only been bestowed on seven women in English history.
The title of “princess” itself does not depend on changing circumstances in the monarchy; rather, it is based on formal decisions known as “royal patents.”
These patents, issued by the monarch, determine the titles of members of the royal family.
In 1917, King George V attempted to restrict the number of titles, especially those of “prince” and “princess,” in an effort to reduce the number of royals. However, the decisions of later monarchs, such as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, modified this rule.
In Charlotte’s case, her right to the title “princess” was reaffirmed by her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who in 2012 signed a royal patent extending the title “prince” or “princess” to all children of the heir to the throne, regardless of their place in the line of succession.
This patent ensures that Charlotte will retain her title of princess, regardless of whether her father ascends to the throne or her older brother, George, ever reigns.