Her eldest child and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, has now become King Charles III with his wife, Camilla, taking on the role of Queen Consort. While the Queen’s death means a shuffle in the line of succession – Charles’ eldest son Prince William is now heir to the throne and William’s son Prince George is third in line – what does the monarch’s death mean for her titles royal family?
Prince Charles is now King Charles
Charles is the oldest king to take the throne (Getty Images) As Prince Charles was the Queen’s eldest child and heir to the throne, he assumed the position of monarch after her death. While he has yet to choose his royal name, it can be assumed that he will be known as King Charles III unless he states otherwise. As his full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, he can choose to become King George VII, King Philip or even King Arthur. At 73, this makes Charles the oldest king to take the throne. This record was previously held by William IV, who succeeded to the throne in 1830 when he was 64. Charles also holds the title of the oldest and longest-serving heir to the British throne in history.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort
It was announced that Camilla would take the title of HRH Queen Consort once Charles took the throne earlier this year (Getty Images) Earlier this year, the Queen said it was her wish for Camilla Parker Bowles to be known as Queen Consort when Charles became king. In a statement released on February 6, the day the Queen turned 70 on the throne, Her Majesty said: “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and wife of Camila the same support you gave me. and it is my sincere wish that when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own faithful service.” This marked a change as Camilla was originally known as the Princess Consort. Ahead of his wedding to Camilla in 2005, Charles released a statement revealing the title he would take after their marriage, as well as the one he would use now as Charles takes the throne. “Ms Parker Bowles will use the title HRH The Duchess of Cornwall after the wedding,” the statement said. “Ms Parker Bowles is to use the title HRH The Princess Consort when the Prince of Wales comes to the Throne.” Traditionally, a king’s wife receives the title of queen consort and is crowned and anointed at the coronation ceremony. “Unless otherwise decided, a queen consort is crowned with the king, in a similar but simpler ceremony. If the new Sovereign is Queen, her consort is not crowned or anointed at the coronation ceremony,” the royal website states.
Prince William is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge
Prince William will only be known as the Prince of Wales if he is granted that title by Charles (Getty Images) At the age of 10, Charles received the title of Prince of Wales and later had an investiture at Caernarvon Castle in 1969. While we might assume that Prince William gets that title now that his father is king, it doesn’t automatically pass down. Instead, Charles will choose whether or not to make William Prince of Wales. Prince William received the title of Duke of Cambridge after his marriage to Kate Middleton in 2011, but will now hold the title of Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, to take his father’s title. This means that William will also likely inherit the Duchy of Cornwall – an estate equivalent to 150,000 acres and an income estimated at £20 million a year.
Kate Middleton is now the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge’s title will change to Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge (Chris Jackson/PA) Kate Middleton took the title of Duchess of Cambridge after marrying Prince William in 2011, and since her husband will now be heir apparent, her title will also change. Instead of being the Duchess of Cambridge, she will be known as the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge – inheriting the title previously held by Camilla. If William is given the title of Prince of Wales by King Charles, Kate will automatically hold the title of Princess of Wales.
