Prince William will soon become the King of the United Kingdom. But, before he ascends, Prince Charles will first take Queen Elizabeth's place.
As the eldest son of the Heir Apparent, he will receive several titles when his father takes over the British Monarchy as it is part of the royal tradition. These titles may include the Dukedom of Cornwall and Rothesay.
The case is different, however, to the Prince of Wales title. The Daily Express reported that the Duke of Cambridge may not receive this peerage when he becomes the next person in line to the British Throne.
Constitutional experts from University College London explained that it will be up to Prince Charles whether to give the Prince of Wales title to Prince William. While the public expects him to have the title in the future, it will be dependent on his father's discretions, adding that the title is "not heritable."
The experts, then, recalled that Queen Elizabeth chose to give the title to her eldest son in 1958 when he was 10. The investiture took place, though, 11 years later at Caernarvon Castle.
Iain MacMarthanne echoed the experts' assertions about the matter. He told the same publication that the Prince of Wales title remains within the gift of the reigning British Monarch.
Therefore, Prince William can only receive the peerage when Prince Charles decides to give it to him upon his ascension. But, if it happens, his wife, Kate Middleton, will automatically become the Princess of Wales.
One thing is for certain, however, according to Royal Central. When Prince Charles becomes the King of the United Kingdom, the Duke of Cambridge will either become the Duke of Cornwall or the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. The same thing will, also, apply in the Duchess of Cambridge's case.
Amid all the talks about the Prince and Princess of Wales title, many have continued to wonder why Prince Charles' wife has not used the title. Instead, Camilla uses the Duchess of Cornwall title, which is one of her husband's other honors.
A separate report from the Daily Express explained that Prince William's stepmother automatically became the Princess of Wales when she married the Heir Apparent in 2005. In formal settings, her name rightfully includes the peerage.
Several royal experts and commentators stated that the Cornwall couple may have not utilized the "Princess of Wales" title because of Princess Diana. They likely chose not to use it in honor of the late royal, who was Prince Charles' first wife.
