Kate Middleton As Queen Consort: What’s Expected From Duchess In Future Role?

Kate Middleton will be a queen consort when Prince William takes over the throne.

It might take years before it actually happens, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will someday become the king and queen consort in the U.K. So what exactly is expected from Middleton’s future role as queen consort?

According to Frederica Miller, a journalist for Express, there are two types of queens, the queen regent and queen consort. Queen Elizabeth II is a queen regent, and she is the monarch in her own right because she inherited the throne upon the death of the previous monarch. In contrast, Middleton will be a queen consort as she’s married to the monarch, which would be what happens when Prince William takes over the throne.

“Queen consorts usually share their husband’s social rank and status,” Miller wrote. “But Queen consorts do not usually share their husband’s political and military powers.”

Queen consorts have their own coronations too just like the new kings. However, it’s deemed to be low-key compared to their husband's.

According to Lauren Clark of The Sun, the Duchess of Cambridge will wear the Queen Mother’s priceless jeweled crown when Prince William becomes king. The headpiece is packed with 2,800 diamonds and the 105-carat Kohinoor jewel.

Queen Mother wore the crown during King George VI’s coronation. Thus, it’s highly likely for Middleton to wear the same tiara when its Prince William’s turn to lead the monarchy.

When Prince William becomes king, Middleton’s life will also change. The family will need to move out from Kensington Palace where they have lived since their 2011 royal wedding because Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official house.

In addition, the Duchess of Cambridge will have to say goodbye to her low-key lifestyle. Middleton does her groceries from time to time, but this might not be applicable anymore when she becomes the queen consort.

Middleton knew the changes that await for them when Prince William becomes the new king. In fact, she has been preparing for her future role as well. According to royal expert Rebecca Long, Middleton has been taking on new responsibilities over the last few years, so it won’t be a shock when the time comes that they have to step up.

Queen Elizabeth II is reportedly keen on training Middleton. Her Majesty has taken Middleton under her wing, and they usually spend hours discussing royal life and the future of the monarchy together. An insider said that it took time for Middleton to reach where she is today, but she’s now ready for her future role.