Princess Charlotte set to receive THIS prestigious title when Prince William is King - and it’s seriously rare!

Princess Charlotte’s title could change when her father takes the throne if he chooses to follow with an established royal tradition…

Princess Charlotte prestigious title change could come in future, seen here at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre
(Image credit: Future//Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Princess Charlotte could receive a prestigious title when Prince William becomes King and it’s seriously rare within the Royal Family. 


Princess Charlotte might be just seven years old but as the daughter of the future King and Queen Consort and one of the Queen’s great-grandchildren she’s still one of the most frequently-seen royal children. Charlotte’s older brother Prince George is third in the royal line of succession and reports have claimed Kate Middleton and Prince William waited for a “controlled moment” to tell him of his destiny to follow in his father, grandfather and great-grandmother’s footsteps as monarch. 

Though whilst she won’t have quite the same level of responsibilities as George going forwards, Charlotte could receive a hugely prestigious title of her own. And unlike George’s hers will have only belonged to seven other royals before her…

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

When Prince William ascends to the British throne at some point in the future, Charlotte will in turn become the only daughter of the King. Traditionally, the monarch grants the title of Princess Royal to their eldest daughter, as we’ve seen already with Charlotte’s great-aunt Princess Anne.

Anne was granted this significant title in 1987 when she was 37 and until then, Anne had been known simply as HRH The Princess Anne. The Queen’s daughter is only the seventh Princess Royal in British history, following on from her own great-aunt, Princess Mary. 

Other Princesses Royal have included Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Princess Victoria and another Princess Charlotte, daughter of King George III. This would mean that if Charlotte of Cambridge is granted the Princess Royal title when William is King, she will be joining a very select group of royals.

Princess Anne and Princess Charlotte side by side at different events

(Image credit: Future// Image 1: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty // Image 2: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

However, whilst it’s customary for the eldest daughter to become Princess Royal, it's not guaranteed, especially if there is already a relative holding that title still living, as it apparently "remains for life". 

Speaking previously to TownandCountrymag.com, royal expert Duncan Larcombe explained, "It is a title that remains for life, so Princess Charlotte will have to wait at least until the death of the current Princess Royal.”

"Princess Anne had to wait until 1987 before her mother the Queen bestowed the title of Princess Royal on her, even though the title had been vacant since 1965," he added, reflecting on how it would ultimately be William’s decision in any case. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge pose for a photograph as they visit SportsAid House

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

There are many years yet before we might learn whether Princess Charlotte could take on this prestigious title, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s daughter continues to delight people with her public appearances. Earlier this month, Princess Charlotte was chosen over Prince George and Louis to attend the Commonwealth Games and all three siblings attended multiple Platinum Jubilee events in June.  

Throughout them all Charlotte showcased her confident personality and beamed and waved alongside other members of The Firm twice on the Buckingham Palace balcony where those highest in the succession joined the Queen. 

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.