Queen Elizabeth II passed away Thursday afternoon, surrounded by her family. With her passing, several members of the Royal Family’s titles will change.
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The Prince of Wales becomes King
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, aged 73, is the oldest monarch in British history to take the throne, according to Reuters. He will be known as King Charles III.
His Majesty is now King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He will also be King of 14 Commonwealth Realms, including Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
He will also be Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, titles bestowed upon British monarchs since Henry VIII.
King Charles III also inherits the title of Duke of Lancaster, with the Duchy of Lancaster forming a vital component of His Majesty’s income, reports Wales Online.
The Duchess of Cornwall becomes Queen Consort
As the wife of King Charles III, Camilla Parker-Bowles becomes Queen Consort, a title Her Majesty initially didn’t wish to assume. Before their wedding in 2005, Her Majesty suggested the title of Princess Consort, which would have been a first in British history.
Wales Online reports that legislation would have been needed to stop Camilla, former Duchess of Cornwall, from automatically becoming Queen Consort.
However, the late Queen Elizabeth publicly announced in February this year that Camilla should be known as Queen Consort when the time came.
William and Kate become the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge
Prince William is now heir to the throne and inherits his father’s former title of Duke of Cornwall. He and his wife Kate will henceforth be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
Their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will also be known as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge.
According to The Independent, the title ofPrince of Wales doesn’t automatically transfer to Prince William, despite it being traditionally given to the heir. His Majesty will have to choose if he bestows the title upon his eldest son.
If Prince William were to become Prince of Wales, Kate would become Princess of Wales.
No change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are unlikely to see any changes to their titles since they took a step back from royal duties in 2020.
However, should they wish to use the titles, their children are now Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibeth of Sussex, as per Wales Online.
Before the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Archie and Lilibeth were too far down the line of succession, according to rules set out in 1917 by King George V.
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⋙ Prince Charles now declared King of England, when will he be crowned?
⋙ Queen Elizabeth II has died, the longest reigning monarch in British history
