Prince William and Kate Middleton were gifted by Queen Elizabeth the royal title of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day. While Kate is often referred to by her first full name Catherine, it won’t be included in her title until William becomes King.
At the moment, Kate Middleton’s official title is “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge.” Even though she is technically a Princess of the United Kingdom, as her husband is the Prince, she goes by her Duchess title instead, which does not include her first name.
Prince William is the second in line to the British throne and will become King after the reign of his father Prince Charles. When that happens, Kate Middleton will be his Queen Consort, and she can finally use her name in her royal title, according to a royal expert.
"If the Queen had not created William a duke, Catherine would be styled as HRH Princess William of Wales,” Marlene Koenig explained, adding that Kate Middleton will be known as Queen Catherine when Prince William accedes to the throne.
But, this is not the only change that will happen when Prince William becomes King. British sovereign is being bowed to by those who meet them, including the Royal Family members. Male royals would bow down their heads upon greeting the Queen or King while female royals do curtsy.
In fact, even his wife, Kate Middleton, will have to obey this royal rule. Even though the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are a modern royal couple, they are still expected to observe certain royal etiquette.
When Prince William becomes King, Kate Middleton will be the Queen Consort. Despite her new status, the Duchess of Cambridge will still have to do curtsy to her husband on the day of his coronation.
However, Kate Middleton will not curtsy Prince William upon greeting him as Queen Consorts enjoy the rights and privileges of the sovereign King by law. In fact, Queen consorts Elizabeth and Mary never curtsied to their husbands George VI and George V.
Meanwhile, Prince William received a series of titles when he married Kate Middleton in 2011 and got the auxiliary titles of Earl and Countess of Strathearn in Scotland and Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Her Majesty also appointed him to the position of Lord High Commissioner. He will, moreover, become the new Prince of Wales once Prince Charles becomes King.
