Why Isn’t Meghan Markle a Princess but Kate Is: Understanding Royal Titles and Succession
Many people often wonder, “Why isn’t Meghan Markle a Princess but Kate is?” It’s a question that pops up frequently, especially when we see Duchesses being referred to as Princesses in a casual sense. I recall a recent conversation at a local coffee shop where someone casually mentioned “Princess Kate,” and another chimed in, asking the very same thing about Meghan. This common misconception stems from a misunderstanding of how royal titles are actually bestowed and inherited within the British monarchy. While both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle married into the Royal Family, their current titles and the potential for future ones are governed by specific, long-standing protocols.
The Heart of the Matter: Title Acquisition Through Marriage
At its core, the distinction between Meghan Markle not being a Princess and Kate Middleton being widely, though technically incorrectly, referred to as one lies in a fundamental rule of royal succession and title bestowal: a woman typically takes her husband’s title upon marriage, and whether that title is “Princess” depends on the husband’s direct lineage to the throne. This is where the nuanced differences begin to unfold.
Kate Middleton: The Princess-in-Waiting
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is married to Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III. As the direct heir to the throne, Prince William holds the title of Prince. When they married, Catherine automatically became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. Upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, William became the Prince of Wales, and Catherine, his wife, consequently became Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
It’s crucial to understand that Catherine is not a Princess by birth. She became a Princess by marriage to a Prince who is the heir to the throne. Her title, Princess of Wales, is a courtesy title that is traditionally held by the wife of the Prince of Wales. This is a significant distinction. She is the Princess of Wales, not a Princess Royal.
The “Princess Royal” Distinction
The title of “Princess Royal” is a unique designation within the British Royal Family. It is an honorific title traditionally given to the eldest daughter of the reigning monarch. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter is Anne, the Princess Royal. This title is not automatically inherited and is bestowed by the monarch. Therefore, Kate Middleton, despite her elevated position as the wife of the heir apparent, does not hold the title of Princess Royal.
Meghan Markle: The Duchess by Marriage
Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III. Upon their marriage, they were granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Therefore, Meghan became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. Unlike Kate, Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, is not the direct heir to the throne; he is further down the line of succession.
The key difference here is that Meghan married a Prince, but not one who is the direct heir. While her husband is a Prince, she herself did not become a Princess in the same way that Kate, as the wife of the Prince of Wales, did. This is where the common confusion arises. People often assume that marrying a Prince automatically grants the title of Princess.
Understanding “Princess” in the Royal Context
In the British Royal Family, there are essentially two ways one can be a Princess:
- By birth: Daughters of a reigning monarch or daughters of a Prince who is the heir apparent. For example, Princess Anne was a Princess by birth, as was Princess Charlotte, the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
- By marriage to a Prince: The wife of a Prince who holds a princely title. However, this is where the nuance is critical. The title of “Princess” is not automatically conferred upon every woman who marries a Prince. It typically applies if the husband is a direct descendant of the monarch and holds a significant princely title. Even then, it’s often a courtesy title.
Meghan Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, is indeed a Prince. However, the primary title bestowed upon them by Queen Elizabeth II upon their wedding was the Dukedom of Sussex. Therefore, Meghan’s primary royal title is Duchess of Sussex. While she is the wife of a Prince, her principal title is that of a Duchess.
A Deeper Dive into Royal Title Rules
The system of royal titles is intricate and deeply rooted in historical precedent. It’s not as simple as a direct translation of “royal spouse equals Princess.” The rules, often referred to as Letters Patent, dictate who is entitled to be styled as a Prince or Princess. Historically, only the children of the sovereign and the children of the sovereign’s sons were automatically granted princely titles.
The Letters Patent of 1917
A significant piece of legislation that still influences royal titles today is the Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917. This decree declared that the title of Prince or Princess would be automatically granted to:
- The children of the sovereign.
- The children of the sons of the sovereign.
- The eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales (who is the heir apparent).
This meant that Prince William’s children, for example, would automatically be Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, also became Prince and Princess respectively, but this was due to a subsequent, more inclusive Letters Patent issued by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, which extended the right to be styled as a Prince or Princess to all children of the monarch’s eldest son, not just the eldest son himself. Before this, it was more restricted.
How This Applies to Kate and Meghan
For Kate, her husband, Prince William, is the eldest son of the sovereign and the heir apparent. Therefore, their children are automatically styled as Prince and Princess. Catherine herself, as the wife of the Prince of Wales, holds the title of Princess of Wales. This is a title of dignity, specifically associated with her husband’s position.
For Meghan, her husband, Prince Harry, is also a Prince, as he is a son of the sovereign. However, he is not the heir apparent. While he is a Prince, his wife, Meghan, takes his princely title and is styled as Duchess of Sussex. This is a lower-ranking title than Princess by birthright, but a very significant one nonetheless.
The Nuances of Spousal Titles
When a woman marries a Prince, she typically acquires the female equivalent of his title. So, if a man is a Duke, his wife becomes a Duchess. If a man is a Prince, his wife often becomes a Princess, but this is where the rules get murky and depend on the specific circumstances and the rank of the husband’s title.
In the case of Meghan and Harry, the decision was made for them to be created Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This was a personal choice by Queen Elizabeth II, likely to give them a distinct identity and title that was not solely tied to being “just” a Prince and his wife. The Dukedom of Sussex is a high-ranking aristocratic title, but “Duchess” is technically a different category than “Princess.”
Why a Dukedom Was Chosen for Harry and Meghan
It’s widely understood that Prince Harry and Meghan wanted a degree of separation from the most senior royal ranks, allowing them more freedom in their public and private lives. Bestowing them with a Dukedom allowed them to have a significant royal title without the same level of immediate hereditary claim and expectation that comes with being directly in line to the throne as, say, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
This also explains why, when Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior members of the Royal Family, they retained their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but ceased to use their HRH (His Royal Highness/Her Royal Highness) styles. They are still Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, but not “His Royal Highness” or “Her Royal Highness” in an official capacity.
Common Misconceptions and Popular Usage
The casual use of “Princess Kate” is a perfect example of how public perception can differ from official protocol. While technically incorrect in the strictest sense, it’s a term of endearment and recognition of her future role as Queen Consort. She is the Princess of Wales, and her eventual role will be Queen.
Similarly, many might refer to Meghan as “Princess Meghan” out of respect or a general understanding that she married a Prince. However, this overlooks the specific title she was granted and the hierarchical differences within the Royal Family.
The Hierarchy of Royal Titles
It’s useful to understand the general hierarchy of titles within the British peerage and Royal Family. This helps clarify why one title might be considered “higher” or more significant than another.
| Title | Rank | Typical Holder |
|---|---|---|
| King/Queen | Sovereign | Reigning Monarch |
| Prince/Princess Royal | Daughter of Monarch | Eldest Daughter of Sovereign |
| Prince | Royal Prince | Son of Sovereign, Grandson of Sovereign |
| Princess | Royal Princess | Daughter of Sovereign, Daughter of Prince |
| Duke/Duchess | Highest Rank of Peerage | Often bestowed upon sons of the monarch, or senior noble families |
| Marquess/Marchioness | Second Highest Rank of Peerage | Senior noble families |
| Earl/Countess | Third Highest Rank of Peerage | Senior noble families |
| Viscount/Viscountess | Fourth Highest Rank of Peerage | Senior noble families |
| Baron/Baroness | Fifth Highest Rank of Peerage | Senior noble families |
As you can see from the table, a Princess (by birth or by marriage to a Prince who is the heir apparent or very high in succession) holds a different standing than a Duchess. However, it’s crucial to remember that a Dukedom is a very high rank within the peerage. The Duke of Sussex is a high-ranking Duke, and Meghan, as Duchess of Sussex, holds a significant title.
The Case of Princess Diana
Princess Diana is another interesting case study. She was born Lady Diana Spencer. Upon her marriage to Prince Charles, she became Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. She was never a Princess by birth. Her title was derived from her husband’s, as he was the Prince of Wales. After her divorce from Charles, she lost the “Her Royal Highness” style but retained the title of Princess of Wales, although she was publicly referred to as Diana, Princess of Wales. This illustrates the complexities and how titles can evolve.
Beyond Titles: Roles and Responsibilities
While titles are a significant aspect of royal life, it’s also important to consider the roles and responsibilities that come with them. Both Kate and Meghan, as wives of Princes, have undertaken numerous charitable endeavors and public engagements.
Kate Middleton’s Royal Duties
As the future Queen Consort, Catherine’s role is multifaceted. She supports the King and Queen, undertakes royal tours, patronages of various charities, and represents the Crown at home and abroad. Her focus has often been on early childhood development, mental health, and the arts. Her position as Princess of Wales means she is very much at the forefront of royal duties, preparing for her eventual role as Queen.
Meghan Markle’s Royal Endeavors
During her time as a senior working royal, Meghan also engaged in significant charitable work, focusing on issues such as women’s empowerment, education, and supporting the armed forces. Since stepping back from senior royal duties, she and Prince Harry have continued their philanthropic work through their Archewell foundation, pursuing projects in media, education, and community building.
Why the Distinction Matters
The distinction in titles isn’t merely semantic; it reflects the constitutional and hereditary principles of the British monarchy. The line of succession, the hierarchy of titles, and the historical precedents all play a role.
When people ask, “Why isn’t Meghan Markle a Princess but Kate is?” the answer invariably circles back to the specific nature of their marriages and the titles held by their husbands. Kate is the wife of the heir apparent, holding the title of Princess of Wales. Meghan is the wife of a Prince who is not the heir apparent, and she was granted the title of Duchess of Sussex.
The Concept of “Royal Highness” (HRH)
Another aspect to consider is the “HRH” style. Both Kate and Meghan were styled as Her Royal Highness upon their marriages. However, as mentioned, when Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals, they relinquished the use of their HRH styles. This doesn’t mean they are no longer royal, but rather that they are no longer carrying out official duties on behalf of the monarch.
Kate, as the wife of the Prince of Wales, continues to use her HRH style, reflecting her ongoing role within the working Royal Family and her position as future Queen Consort.
A Matter of Protocol and Precedent
The British Royal Family operates under a strict framework of protocol and precedent. While public perception can be forgiving, the official titles and their derivations are important for understanding the structure of the monarchy. The difference in Meghan’s and Kate’s titles is a direct result of these established rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kate Middleton referred to as Princess Kate if she isn’t a Princess by birth?
This is a very common point of confusion, and the answer lies in how titles are passed down and the specific role of the Princess of Wales. Catherine Middleton was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. She did not have a royal title at birth. Upon her marriage to Prince William in 2011, she became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. This is because Prince William was a Duke as well as a Prince. When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, Prince William became the Prince of Wales, and as his wife, Catherine automatically became Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. So, while she wasn’t born a Princess, she *is* a Princess by marriage to the Prince of Wales. The public often shortens “Princess of Wales” to “Princess Kate” as a familiar and affectionate way to refer to her, much like people might refer to a royal figure by a shortened version of their title.
The title “Princess of Wales” is a high-ranking courtesy title. It is traditionally held by the wife of the Prince of Wales. Therefore, Kate holds this title by virtue of her marriage to Prince William, who holds the title of Prince of Wales. She is not “Princess Catherine” in the same way that Princess Anne is “Princess Royal” (a title of dignity bestowed upon the eldest daughter of the monarch), but she is indeed the Princess of Wales. The usage of “Princess Kate” is an informal simplification.
How did Meghan Markle become a Duchess instead of a Princess?
Meghan Markle became a Duchess because of the specific titles that were bestowed upon her and Prince Harry upon their marriage. On April 23, 2018, Queen Elizabeth II created Prince Harry Baron Kilkeel, Earl of Dumbarton, and Duke of Sussex. Consequently, upon their marriage on May 19, 2018, Meghan Markle became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The choice of a Dukedom over a princely title for Meghan was a deliberate decision made by the Queen.
Typically, a woman marrying a Prince becomes a Princess, but this is often a courtesy title, and her primary title would be derived from her husband’s rank. In Harry and Meghan’s case, the Queen chose to elevate them with a Dukedom, which is a very high and prestigious title within the British peerage system. A Duke and Duchess are the highest ranks in the peerage. So, while Meghan married a Prince, her formal title is Duchess, not Princess. This distinction is rooted in the specific royal warrants and decisions made at the time of their marriage and their subsequent evolution as members of the Royal Family.
The decision to grant them a Dukedom instead of styling Meghan as a Princess might have been influenced by several factors. It could have been to give them a unique identity, separate from the immediate line of succession in a way that a Princess title might not have allowed. Furthermore, it provided them with a significant royal title that allowed them to pursue their own interests and endeavors, as they have done since stepping back from senior royal duties.
What are the rules for who can be styled as a Prince or Princess in the British Royal Family?
The rules for styling as a Prince or Princess in the British Royal Family are primarily governed by Letters Patent, which are royal decrees. The most influential of these is the Letters Patent of 1917 issued by King George V. This decree stipulated that the title of Prince or Princess would be automatically conferred upon:
- The children of the sovereign.
- The children of the sons of the sovereign.
- The children of the eldest living son of the Prince of Wales (the heir apparent).
This meant that historically, only the children of the monarch and the male-line grandchildren of the monarch were automatically styled as Prince or Princess. For example, Prince William and Prince Harry were Princes because they are sons of the sovereign. Their children would also automatically be Princes and Princesses according to this rule, with the caveat regarding the eldest son’s children being most prominent. Princess Charlotte, as a daughter of the Prince of Wales, is also styled as a Princess.
However, in 2018, Queen Elizabeth II issued a further Letters Patent to ensure that all children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales would be styled as Prince or Princess, not just the eldest son himself. This was done specifically to include Princess Charlotte. Prior to this, it was possible for daughters to be styled differently depending on the exact wording. For Prince Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, their entitlement to be styled as Prince and Princess also stems from this broader interpretation and subsequent clarification of the 1917 Letters Patent, essentially benefiting from the fact that their father is the son of the sovereign and their grandfather is the sovereign. The exact application can be complex, but the core principle is lineal descent and the status of the reigning monarch and their immediate heirs.
Can a woman become a Princess if she marries someone who is not a Prince but is in line for the throne?
This is a hypothetical situation that delves into the intricacies of royal succession and title protocols. Generally, a woman becomes a Princess by marrying a Prince. If she marries someone who is not a Prince but is in the line of succession, she would not automatically become a Princess. Instead, her title would depend on the husband’s existing title and the specific circumstances.
For example, if a man is a Duke but not a Prince, and he is in the line of succession, his wife would be a Duchess. Her title would be derived from her husband’s ducal rank. The title “Princess” is almost exclusively reserved for women who are born into the royal family as daughters of the sovereign or descendants of the sovereign, or who marry a Prince. The direct line of succession itself does not automatically confer a princely title upon individuals who are not already Princes by birth.
The most direct way for a woman to become a Princess is to marry a Prince. If her husband is an heir to the throne or holds a significant princely title, she will typically acquire a significant princely title herself, such as Princess of Wales. If her husband is a Prince but not in the direct line of succession and holds a less senior princely title, or if a different title is bestowed upon them (like a Dukedom, as in the case of Prince Harry and Meghan), her title will reflect that specific bestowal.
The rules are very specific, and they are not based on how far someone is in the line of succession alone, but on the actual princely title held by the husband and the specific Letters Patent in effect. Without marrying a Prince, or being born a Princess, the title cannot be acquired. Therefore, marrying someone “in line for the throne” but without the title of Prince would not automatically make his wife a Princess.
What is the difference between being a Princess by birth and a Princess by marriage?
The difference between being a Princess by birth and a Princess by marriage lies fundamentally in the origin of the title and the inherent status it confers. Both allow a woman to be styled as “Princess,” but the underlying authority and lineage are distinct.
Princess by Birth: A Princess by birth is typically the daughter of a reigning monarch or the daughter of a Prince who holds a significant princely title, and whose lineage grants them this right according to royal decrees. For instance, Princess Anne is a Princess by birth because she is the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Charlotte is a Princess by birth because she is the daughter of the Prince of Wales. This birthright carries a certain inherent status within the royal hierarchy. These Princesses are members of the sovereign’s family by direct bloodline.
Princess by Marriage: A Princess by marriage is a woman who acquires her princely title through her marriage to a Prince. Her title is not inherent but is a courtesy title or a title bestowed upon her as the wife of a Prince. The most common example is a Princess of Wales. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is a Princess by marriage to Prince William. Her title is derived from his position as the Prince of Wales. The significance of her title is tied to her husband’s rank and position within the Royal Family. She is not a Princess of the blood, but a Princess Consort (or, more accurately, Princess by marriage to a Prince).
While both are styled as Princess, the “Princess by birth” designation often carries a slightly different weight of expectation and immediate connection to the Crown. A Princess by birth is a direct descendant of the monarch in her own right, whereas a Princess by marriage is an honorary member of the royal family through her spouse. In practice, both hold esteemed positions and undertake royal duties, but the constitutional and genealogical basis for their titles differs significantly.
In Conclusion
The question “Why isn’t Meghan Markle a Princess but Kate is?” is a testament to the intricate and often misunderstood rules surrounding royal titles. It’s not about favoritism or perceived status, but about adherence to historical precedent, royal decrees, and the specific circumstances of each marriage. Kate, as the Princess of Wales, holds a title derived from her husband’s position as heir apparent. Meghan, as the Duchess of Sussex, holds a title bestowed upon her and Prince Harry, reflecting their unique position within the Royal Family. Both are significant titles, and both women are integral members of the Royal Family, undertaking important work in their respective capacities.
Understanding these distinctions allows for a greater appreciation of the complexities of the British monarchy and the traditions that shape its royal family. The titles themselves are symbols, but the true substance lies in the roles, responsibilities, and contributions that individuals make to public life.
