Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle Get These Titles If Queen Elizabeth Retires

Much has been made recently about whether or not Queen Elizabeth would go back on initial plans to rule until she died and actually step back from her duties in two years, after hitting her 95th birthday. Regardless of when her reign comes to an end however, everyone in the family will receive some new titles after Prince Charles takes the thrones.

According to Express UK, Kate Middleton’s current titles as the Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Lady Carrickfergus were all bestowed upon her after she married Prince William. However, when she will become the Queen Consort when her husband, who is second-in-line to the throne, becomes King.

It is believed however that before then when Prince Charles becomes King, a different title will be passed on to the Duke and Duchess. It is considered likely that Prince William would be passed the title of Prince of Wales—giving Kate the title of Princess of Wales, which was last held by William’s mother, Princess Diana. However, she could also choose to do the same as Camilla Parker Bowles and refuse the title out of respect for the late Princess.

Meanwhile, the titles that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have could change as well with Prince Charles taking the throne—however, there is nothing that says those titles would automatically change at all, and they could remain simply as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

However, if Prince Charles opted to gift the couple with new titles, they would then receive those.