Skip to main content

The royal family takes official titles very seriously. And, while some hold onto the same status all their lives, others — especially those closer in line to the British throne — receive upgraded titles a few times in their life. As the daughter of a future king (and fourth in line to the British throne), Princess Charlotte will swap out her official royal titles a few times in her life and, given her position in the royal family, could one day become Princess Royal when Prince William ascends the throne. However, the title change might not happen right away. Find out why, plus how Princess Charlotte’s royal title will change throughout her life ahead.

Will Princess Charlotte be Princess Royal?

Princess Charlottes waves to crowd at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding.
Princess Charlotte’s royal title will change a few times in her life. | Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images

Princess Royal belongs to the eldest daughter of the monarch. This means that once Prince William ascends the throne, Princess Charlotte qualifies for such status. However, she will probably have to wait a few years before receiving her new royal title.

Currently, Princess Anne holds the Princess Royal title. And she gets to keep her status until she dies. That means that if she’s still around when Prince Charles passes and Prince William ascends the throne (which is highly likely, given her mother’s longevity), she would remain Princess Royal. With the title occupied, Princess Charlotte would not receive the high-ranking status until after her great-aunt passes.

At the time of Princess Anne’s passing, Princess Charlotte won’t automatically become Princess Royal (like one does as sovereign). Instead, she will have to wait for her father, Prince William, to grant the title in an official ceremony.

Princess Charlotte runs in a park.
Princess Charlotte won’t become Princess Royal right away. | Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Princess Charlotte’s royal title

As a prominent member of the royal family, Princess Charlotte was born with royal status. Right now, her official royal title is Her Royal Highness The Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. Cambridge is a reflection of her family — aka her parents’ royal titles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. And the young royal will hold a title similar to her father’s until he ascends the throne. Here’s how Princess Charlotte’s royal title will change as her father rises through the royal ranks.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Charlotte of Wales

Princess Charlotte could one day become Princess of Wales — but not in the same way that Princess Diana was. When her grandfather, Prince Charles, ascends the throne, he will most likely make Prince William the Prince of Wales. Such status belongs to the monarch’s eldest son and heir. Similar to Princess Royal, the current Duke of Cambridge won’t receive his new name without an official ceremony to mark the change in status.

If Prince William becomes the Prince of Wales, his wife and children will automatically adopt similar royal titles. Kate Middleton will drop her Duke of Cambridge title and become the Princess of Wales (like her late mother-in-law). And the littlest royals will become Princes and Princess of Wales.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Charlotte

Once Prince William ascends the throne, Princess Charlotte will earn new status. Since a monarch no longer has a region in their official royal title, their children drop the geographical reference and simply become princes and princesses. Princess Charlotte would become Her Royal Highness The Princess Charlotte like her great-grandmother did when King George VI ascended the throne.

Best in Entertainment