Buckingham Palace shares big news!

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Right. (Well, was a commoner. She's a royal duchess now.)

I'd wager that "Kate Middleton" has stuck because the American press has at least learned that "Princess Kate" is incorrect and they think if they call her the Duchess of Cambridge, too many people won't know who they're talking about. Besides, they still tend to call her husband Prince William rather than the Duke of Cornwall.

Since he is a Duke in his own right, that would outweigh his courtesy title as Prince right? Also, would the Duchess of Cornwall be a Princess Consort instead of a Queen Consort? And isn't Kate technically speaking a commoner since she is a Duchess and Countess only by marriage?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Since he is a Duke in his own right, that would outweigh his courtesy title as Prince right?

He was created a duke the day they got married, and yes, his title of Duke of Cambridge takes precedence over "Prince." So while he can still be referred to as "Prince William," he is formally HRH The Duke of Cambridge (or in Scotland HRH The Earl of Strathearn), whereas before his wedding day he was HRH Prince William of Wales. But the parallel to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is not William, Duke of Cambridge, but rather Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

(FWIW, his full title: His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, Baron Carrickfergus, Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.

Also, would the Duchess of Cornwall be a Princess Consort instead of a Queen Consort? And isn't Kate technically speaking a commoner since she is a Duchess and Countess only by marriage?

The Prince of Wales' office has said that if/when Charles becomes king, Camilla will bear the title "princess consort." If that is indeed what happens, she will be the first wife of a British king to hold that title.

As for Kate, I believe that she is no longer considered a commoner by virtue of being a royal duchess. The more accurate (I think) way to put it is that she comes from a family that is neither royal nor noble.


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