Who's held the Princess of Wales title throughout history and who will hold it in the future?
The Princess of Wales title is currently held by Kate Middleton, but who has previously held this prestigious title and who will it pass to?


The Princess of Wales title has been held by a number of women over the past century, here are some of the key historic figures who have been called the Princess of Wales.
- The Princess of Wales title has just been passed from Camilla Parker Bowles to Catherine Middleton.
- As the title is back in use, here is a reminder of some of the other women who have held this important title.
- In other royal news, Buckingham Palace releases a statement on The Crown ahead of Charles and Diana divorce scenes, it's 'drama not a documentary'.
Catherine of Aragon
The first of Henry VIII's six wives, Catherine of Aragon, is a well known historical figure in the British Royal Family. The former Queen was also once the Princess of Wales from 1501 until 1502, when she was married to King Henry VIII's elder brother.
Henry VIII's older brother, Arthur, the Prince of Wales, died after just a year of marriage to Catherine. This then meant that the royal widow was then betrothed to her late husband's younger brother, Henry.
Alexandra of Denmark
Alexandra of Denmark was the Princess of Wales from 1863 until 1901. The Princess married Albert, the Prince of Wales and heir to Queen Victoria's throne. When his mother died in 1963, he became King Edward VII and the Prince of Wales title then passed to the next heir apparent, George V, making his wife Mary Teck, the Princess of Wales.
Alexandra of Denmark held the title for 38 years, which was the longest anyone has ever held this title.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana is probably the person who is still most commonly associated with the Princess of Wales title. The Princess married Charles, the Prince of Wales in 1981 and was divorced in 1996.
For those 15 years, Diana was known as the Princess of Wales because of her marriage to the heir to the throne.
Camilla Parker Bowles
Camilla Parker Bowles, the current Queen consort, used to have claim to the title, the Princess of Wales. Camilla married the then Prince of Wales in 2005 and from that point onwards had the opportunity to use title.
However, the public's association with the previous Princess of Wales, Diana, was so great that the decision was made that Camilla would be known as the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess title would be retired with Diana.
Catherine Middleton
Bringing back the Princess of Wales title, Kate Middleton, the former Duchess of Cambridge has used the Princess of Wales title since the death of the Queen on September 8, 2022.
The Queen's death meant that Prince Charles became King Charles III and his title as the Prince of Wales passed onto the next heir to the throne, Prince William. This meant that his wife, Catherine, then became the new Princess of Wales. The first woman to publicly hold the title since the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
The future Princess of Wales
Prince George's position in the royal line of succession suggests that at some point, he will become the Prince of Wales, a title that is given to the first heir to the throne. This will only take place once King Charles III dies and Prince William becomes King William.
If Prince George is married to a woman when his father dies, his wife will become the Princess of Wales. However, as the Prince is only 9 years old at the moment, it is impossible to predict who will be the Princess of Wales after Princess Catherine.
woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Laura is a news writer for woman&home who primarily covers entertainment and celebrity news. Laura dabbles in lifestyle, royal, beauty, and fashion news, and loves to cover anything and everything to do with television and film. She is also passionate about feminism and equality and loves writing about gender issues and feminist literature.
Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
32 celebrities you might not realise had famous parents
The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree for these celebrities who were all born into A-list families...
By Emily Smith Published
-
Kristin Davis's best looks, from chic fit-and-flare dresses to dramatic draped gowns
Kristin Davis is a fashion icon on and off-screen. Here are 32 looks that would make Charlotte York proud...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
Prince William’s drastic plans revealed – ‘everything will look different’
The Prince of Wales’s plans for the monarchy have reportedly been revealed
By Jack Slater Published
-
The Middleton women wear the trousers for Princess Catherine’s Carol Concert – and showcase three distinct styles for the holiday season
Carole, Pippa and Kate Middleton showed three versatile ways to wear trousers this Christmas party season
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite stylish and sturdy outdoor boots just got a whole lot cheaper - and they're the ultimate Christmas gift for walkers
The Princess of Wales regularly wears her trusty Berghaus boots
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The very specific dress code rule the Royal Family and Middletons have to follow for key festive event
The dress code rule the Royal Family and Middletons have to follow at a festive event specifies not wearing one of their most-seen items
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl-embellished boucle jacket is a masterclass in keeping both warm and stylish this Christmas season
Kate Middleton’s pearl-embellished boucle jacket was the star of the show in a new trailer and showed how to make subtle sparkle work
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s Christmas fashion mistake she regrets is such a relatable faux pas
Kate Middleton's Christmas fashion mistake was made back in 2019 and this festive look was something she regretted for a simple reason
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The 'vindictive' move King Charles wouldn't be happy to play on Harry and Meghan, revealed by royal expert
King Charles wouldn't be happy to pull this 'vindictive move' against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveals a royal expert
By Laura Harman Published
-
Pippa Middleton takes style notes from Kate as she rocks her sister's go-to accessories with forest green dress
Pippa Middleton's red accessories added a stunning pop of colour to her deep green outfit and we've seen their classic designs before
By Emma Shacklock Published