The prestigious title of Prince of Wales is not automatically passed down, and Prince Charles will have to decide whether to bestow it on Prince William at the time of his accession. That being said, it's expected that the father will indeed pass this title onto his eldest son, making the current Duchess of Cambridge, Princess of Wales.
Though Camilla Parker-Bowles currently holds this title, she doesn't use it out of respect for the previous Princess of Wales, the late Princess Diana.
As Kate Middleton is expected to become Princess of Wales, a source tells the Telegraph (via Express) that this title change is likely to bring up a mix of emotions for William. "I’m sure it’ll be a bit of a bittersweet moment," the source tells the outlet.
"This is her [Diana’s] son and his wife, so in some ways it will be coming full circle—but it will also be a poignant reminder of what we all lost."
However difficult this moment might prove for Prince William, royal experts and members of the public alike all seem to agree that new 40-year-old Middleton is more than ready to rise into her future roles, as her confidence has grown exponentially over the last decade.
"She is always seen with a very open and honest smile denoted by visible crow’s feet around her eyes," body language expert Darren Stanton previously told Marie Claire (on behalf of Be My Bet). "Her whole face is engaged when smiling and it’s clear she has developed a massive confidence not only as a royal and a public figure, but as a parent too."
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs ToThe 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The KingThe top three people on this list might surprise you.
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane CoatThe star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
-
The Hilarious Reason Prince William Got Banned From His Local DVD Store at UniversityThe royal reportedly got into trouble after hiring 2002 comedy 'Boat Trip'—and his bodyguards were no help at all.
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
-
Why King Charles "Refuses" to Give Kate Middleton Advice About Becoming Queen"For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it's like to be queen."
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion ExpertsRoyal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their RelationshipA royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
