Princess Charlotte, born on May 2, 2015, is the second child of Prince William and Princess Kate.
She holds a special position in the royal family, marked by important rule changes that have affected her titles.
When Charlotte was born, a significant change had already been made to the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013.
This amendment ended the old system of male primogeniture, where younger brothers would take precedence over older sisters in the line of succession.
Because of this, Charlotte became the first princess whose place in the succession was not altered by the birth of a younger brother.
Another rule change before her birth was made by Queen Elizabeth II. This change updated the protocols from 1917 set by King George V. Under the old rules, only the children and grandchildren through the male line, and the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, could be called “Prince” or “Princess of the United Kingdom.”
Without this change, Charlotte and her younger brother Louis would not have received these titles, unlike their older brother George.
What are Princess Charlotte’s titles?
As of 2024, Charlotte holds the title “Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Wales.”
This title reflects her status as a princess by birth, or “princess of the blood.”
Her title also includes “Wales” because her father, Prince William, is the Prince of Wales since September 9, 2022.
Before September 9, 2022, Charlotte’s titles changed a couple of times.
Initially, she was known as “Princess Charlotte of Cambridge” because her parents were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
After Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, Prince William became the Duke of Cornwall, and Charlotte’s title changed to “Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge.”
Princess Charlotte’s future
Looking to the future, Princess Charlotte’s titles might change again when she becomes an adult.
If she marries, she could receive a royal peerage, a tradition for male royal children and grandchildren.
There’s a possibility she might be given the title “Duchess of Edinburgh”.
This title, currently held by Prince Edward, is designed to revert to the crown upon his passing, making it available for reassignment.
Alternatively, Charlotte could be given the title “Princess Royal.”
This special title is traditionally granted by the monarch to their eldest daughter.
Currently, Princess Anne holds this title. If Princess Anne were to pass away and Prince William were king, he could bestow the title of Princess Royal on Charlotte.