Kate Middleton Could Be Next Princess Of Wales After Princess Diana

Kate Middleton could be the next royal to use the title Princess of Wales after Princess Diana.

Middleton is married to Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and second-in-line to the throne. When Prince Charles becomes king, Prince William will inherit several titles and so will his wife.

“When Charles inherits the throne the Duke of Cambridge will automatically become Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay amongst other titles that are assumed by the heir to the throne,” expert Iain MacMarthanne told Express. “As his wife, Catherine will become Duchess of Cornwall and Rothesay. These new dukedoms will be in addition to that of Cambridge already held.”

However, the title Prince of Wales will not be automatically passed on to Prince William. It will depend on whether or not Prince Charles plans to make his son the new Prince of Wales.

“The title of Prince of Wales is not assumed automatically by the heir to the throne, and remains within the gift of the monarch,” he added. “In the case of Charles, his mother the Queen created him Prince of Wales in 1958. In the event of the Duke of Cambridge being made Prince of Wales, Catherine would automatically become Princess of Wales. Likewise, with the succession of William, Catherine will become Queen Consort.”

But if that happens, Middleton will be the next Princess of Wales after Princess Diana. Camilla Parker Bowles didn’t use the title because it is still strongly associated with Prince Charles’ first wife, Princess Diana. However, according to experts, she could use it if she wants to.

When it comes to their future in the monarchy, Middleton’s fate as the next queen is more certain than Camilla's. The palace announced earlier that the Duchess of Cornwall will remain the princess consort when Prince Charles is crowned king.

“Kate will be Queen Consort without any question,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said. “We've only quite recently had the clarification again that Camilla will be Princess Consort, not Queen Consort. Princess Consort historically is something that doesn't exist, it's been invented.”

Meanwhile, royal expert Angela Mollard said that Camilla has no desire to be queen. In fact, the duchess has no intention to be more than a princess consort.