Here's Why Kate Middleton And Meghan Markle Aren't Princesses

Despite being married to Prince William and Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were not given the title of 'Princess' following their weddings. Rather than being dubbed Princesses of Wales, as their husbands both hold the title Prince of Wales, Kate and Meghan were named the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex respectively.

Many were surprised by Queen Elizabeth's decision not to bestow Kate and Meghan with the Princess title. When Prince Charles, William and Harry's father, married Diana Spencer back in 1981 she was given the title. Charles and Princess Diana's marriage ultimately ended in divorce and the Queen has not named any of her children or grandchildren's wives with the title ever since.

Historian Kate Williams and Royal contributor Victoria Arbiter claim that the reason for this has to do with Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles' second wife. While Camilla is legally titled Princess of Wales, she reportedly declined the title out of respect for the late Princess Diana. “That’s why it’s Duchess throughout the Royal Family - because Camilla is a Duchess," Williams explained. Williams also addressed the murmurs that Camilla will not be known as Queen Consort when Charles becomes King. “There has not been an official notification, and Charles has said in a few interviews, he used the word Queen, it’s obviously more Charles’ expectation and wish that she would be queen. But at the moment the official line is that she’ll be Princess Consort," Williams said.

Arbiter added, however, that believes Camilla will be known as Queen Consort when Charles inherits the throne. “I don’t think Charles will stand for her being anything less," she explained.

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