Kate Middleton is expected by many to be called Princess Kate after he exchanged vows with Prince William in 2011. Instead, she gained the honorary title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.
In comparison, when Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, she became Her Royal Highness The Princess Of Wales. Prince William and Prince Harry's mother was also known as Diana, Princess of Wales. But when Kate marries William, she did not gain the princess title? Why is that?
Kate Middleton did not get the "Princess" title after marrying William simply because she was born a princess. But Diana is also not a princess either. The answer to this confusing title is the public. According to royal expert Victoria Arbiter, the public dubbed Diana as "Princess Di" and the name stuck unlike "Princess Kate."
"She was not born a blood princess, so she is not a princess in her own right. Referring to her as princess Kate is simply incorrect," Arbiter said.
Queen Elizabeth II gave Prince William the title of the Duke of Cambridge ahead of his wedding. Naturally, Kate gets the female counterpart of her husband's title. Hence, the correct and official title of William's wife is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge.
Though Diana may have had "Princess" within her name, it was never the official style of her name. In the formal title, the "Princess" would come first and it was followed by the first name like Princess Anne or Princess Charlotte.
Another reason for Kate not having the Princess title is their most ranking titles. When Kate married William, she automatically became Her Royal Highness, Princess William of Wales. However, she can't call herself "Princess Kate" because she has other titles that take precedence over the Princess title.
This is the same as William. His Duke title is senior to his Prince title. The Duke of Cambridge is his highest rank, hence this is what he goes by.
As for Kate, she is officially known as "Her Royal Highness Princess William, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus." This means, her most important title is "Duchess of Cambridge."
Will Kate be ever be called "Princess Kate"? Yes, she will in the future. When Queen Elizabeth II dies and Prince Charles succeeds her to the throne, Prince William is most likely become the new Prince of Wales.
When it happened, Kate could become Catherine, Princess of Wales. However, she may also choose to stick with the Duchess title, like Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall.
