While both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle married into the British royal family, Kate holds the title of Princess of Wales, whereas Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex. This difference in title stems from the specific royal dukedoms granted to their husbands upon marriage, not a direct elevation to princess status for both.
Understanding Royal Titles: Why Kate is a Princess and Meghan Isn’t
The British royal family’s system of titles can seem complex. Many people wonder why Catherine, Princess of Wales, is commonly referred to as a princess, while Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is not. The distinction lies in the hereditary titles bestowed upon their husbands, Prince William and Prince Harry, by the reigning monarch.
The Role of Dukedoms in Royal Titles
When a male member of the royal family marries, it’s customary for the monarch to grant him a royal dukedom. This dukedom then becomes the title of his wife. Prince William, as the elder son of King Charles III, was created the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, and later, Prince of Wales. His wife, Catherine, therefore, became Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Prince Harry, on the other hand, was created the Duke of Sussex. Consequently, his wife, Meghan Markle, became Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The title "Duchess" is equivalent in rank to a "Duke," but it does not automatically confer the title of "Princess."
Princess by Marriage vs. Princess by Birth
It’s important to note that there are different ways to hold the title of princess within the British monarchy.
- Princess by Birth: This title is typically held by daughters and granddaughters of the monarch. For example, Princess Anne is a princess by birth.
- Princess by Marriage: This title is generally held by women who marry a prince. However, there’s a nuance here. While Catherine is the Princess of Wales, she is not a "Princess of the United Kingdom" by birthright. Her title is derived from her husband’s princely status and his specific Dukedom of Cornwall and title of Prince of Wales.
Meghan Markle, as the wife of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, holds the title of Duchess. She is not a princess by birth, and her marriage to Prince Harry did not automatically grant her the title of "Princess Meghan." Instead, she is styled as Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.
Key Differences in Royal Styling
The way royal women are styled reflects their marital status and the titles granted to their husbands.
- Catherine, Princess of Wales: Her title signifies her position as the wife of the Prince of Wales, the heir apparent. She is the highest-ranking woman in the royal family after Queen Camilla.
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: Her title reflects her husband’s dukedom. While she is a member of the royal family and holds a high-ranking title, it is distinct from that of a princess.
Royal Protocol and Title Evolution
Royal titles are steeped in tradition and governed by strict royal protocol. The specific titles granted are at the discretion of the monarch. King Charles III, for instance, bestowed the title of Prince of Wales upon his eldest son, William, a title traditionally held by the heir to the throne.
When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, Charles became King. He then elevated William to Prince of Wales, and in turn, Catherine became the Princess of Wales. Meghan’s title, Duchess of Sussex, remains her primary styling.
What About Princess Diana?
Many recall Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry’s mother. Diana was styled as "Her Royal Highness Princess Charles of Wales" after her marriage to Prince Charles. However, after her divorce from Charles, she lost the "HRH" style and was known as Diana, Princess of Wales. This illustrates how titles can change based on marital status and royal decrees.
Can Meghan Be a Princess?
Meghan Markle could technically be styled as a princess if she were to marry a reigning monarch’s son who was a prince by birth and not a duke. However, as Prince Harry holds the Dukedom of Sussex, Meghan’s title is derived from that. She is a royal duchess, a title of significant standing.
People Also Ask
### Why is Kate called Princess Catherine?
Catherine is called Princess Catherine because she is married to Prince William, who holds the title of Prince of Wales. Her official title is Catherine, Princess of Wales. This title is granted to the wife of the Prince of Wales.
### Is Meghan Markle a princess?
No, Meghan Markle is not a princess. She is styled as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as her husband, Prince Harry, holds the title of Duke of Sussex. While she is a member of the royal family, her title is that of a Duchess, not a Princess.
### What is the difference between a Duchess and a Princess?
A Duchess is the wife or widow of a Duke, or a woman who holds ducal rank in her own right. A Princess is typically the daughter or granddaughter of a monarch, or the wife of a Prince. While both are high-ranking royal titles, a Princess by birth has a different lineage than a Duchess by marriage.
### Will Meghan ever be Queen?
Meghan Markle will not become Queen in her own right. Queen Consort is the title given to the wife of a reigning King. As Prince Harry is not in the direct line of succession to be King, Meghan will not hold the title of Queen Consort.
### Why does Kate have a higher title than Meghan?
Kate has the title of Princess of Wales, while Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex. This difference is due to the specific royal dukedoms granted to their husbands by the monarch. Prince William was made Prince of Wales, a title traditionally held by the heir, while Prince Harry was made Duke of Sussex.
Next Steps in Understanding Royal Titles
Exploring the intricacies of royal titles offers a fascinating glimpse into British history and tradition. If you’re interested in learning more about the British monarchy, you might also want to read about the line of succession or the history of royal titles.
Ultimately, both Kate and Meghan hold significant and respected positions within the royal family, each with titles reflecting their unique roles and marriages.