What are Prince William and Catherine's new titles?

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published 10 September 2022

Prince William and his wife Catherine have been known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their wedding in 2011. But they will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall following the Queen's passing.

William and Catherine's official new titles are Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, in addition to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Catherine's title - the Princess of Wales - is the title William's late mother Princess Diana was known as.
This royal news comes as King Charles III has paid tribute to 'my darling mama' while addressing the nation for the first time as King.

While addressing the nation for the first time, King Charles III revealed that William and Catherine have new titles in light of Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 8.

The King said, “As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades.”

"Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty."

He added, "With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

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Since the announcement, William and Catherine have changed their Instagram handle to @princeandprincessofwales.

The Duchy of Cornwall has been traditionally helmed by the eldest son of the reigning monarch. King Charles III held this title as the Queen’s oldest son while his wife, Camilla, went by the Duchess of Cornwall.

Camilla is now Queen Consort - a title which means the wife of a reigning King as opposed to someone who is Queen in their own right like the late Queen Elizabeth II.

William and Catherine's new Prince and Princess of Wales titles were given by King Charles III to them, just like the Queen gave the title to him and Princess Diana, his first wife.

Camilla technically became the Princess of Wales when she married Charles in 2005, but chose to go as the Duchess of Cornwall publicly out of respect for the late Princess Diana.

This title is not inherited automatically, but “it is normally passed on when the existing Prince of Wales accedes to the throne,” according to the Prince of Wales’ website.

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Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.