Kate Middleton Named Princess of Wales by King Charles III

In a historic announcement, King Charles III addressed the United Kingdom on Friday evening following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022.

The new king spoke lovingly of his family and addressed Prince William and Kate during the address.

In his remarks, King Charles III addressed Kate with the title of Princess of Wales, making her the first royal to hold the title since Princess Diana.

“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, to Wessog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.

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,” King Charles III said.

While Camilla was officially the Princess of Wales by marriage to Charles, she did not use the title due to its association with Diana.

According to the official website for the Prince of Wales, which is temporarily suspended in honour of the Queen's death, the title is normally passed on when the existing Prince of Wales accedes to the throne.

However, the title is not inherited automatically, which means that Prince William and Kate will only receive the titles if Charles chooses to bestow them.

William was also bestowed the title of the Duke of Cornwall by the Duchy of Cornwall just hours before King Charles III's announcement.

A statement from the Duchy read, “It is with great sadness that we observe the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took a keen interest in the Duchy of Cornwall during both the reign of her father His Majesty King George VI and in the early years of her own reign.

Together with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, she made a number of visits across the Duchy estate and attended council meetings until her son, HRH the Prince of Wales came of age as Duke of Cornwall.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the succession of His Majesty King Charles III marks the transition of the title of the Duke of Cornwall to HRH the Duke of Cambridge.”

Royan Ickah, Royal Editor at the Sunday Times, quoted a source who said William and Kate are looking to the future with their new roles.

“The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they've approached their work previously.

The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path,” the source said.

King Charles also made reference to Prince Harry and Meghan during his address, saying, “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

Meanwhile, Kate was seen driving in Windsor on September 9, after Prince William and Prince Harry travelled to the Queen's Balmoral Estate in Scotland to be with Her Majesty following the news of her ill health.

The announcement of Kate's new title has caused quite a stir, with many royal watchers expressing their excitement and admiration for the Duchess of Cambridge.

However, there are those who have criticized the decision, citing Camilla's previous title as Princess of Wales and the controversy surrounding Diana's tragic death.

Despite the mixed reactions, it is clear that Kate will continue to represent the royal family with grace and dignity, as she has done throughout her time as a member of the royal family.