The Duchess of Cambridge charmed the crowds on her visit to Wales for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Kate and husband Prince William brought their eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte for their first official visit when they toured Cardiff Castle ahead of a celebration concert.
The family, who have stepped up royal duties since the death of Prince Philip, were centre stage during the weekend of events as William prepares to be king. But before that happens Prince Charles will reign. See pictures from the Cardiff Castle visit here.
Prince Charles is the heir apparent, and when he becomes king, Prince William's title will automatically change to Prince of Wales, the title historically held by those first in line to the throne. That means that Kate could be the next Princess of Wales.
Technically Kate is a princess now, through her marriage to Prince William, but only uses the title in official documents.
Although she is married to a Prince, Kate is known primarily by her Duchess of Cambridge title instead of a Princess title. But if William had not been given a Dukedom when he married Kate in 2011, Kate may have instead have been known as Princess William.
On her children's birth certificates, Kate's occupation is listed as 'Princess of the United Kingdom', but her status as Princess is through marriage rather than birth.
Lucy Hume, Associate Director at Debrett's, an authority on the British Peerage, told GoodHousekeeping.com: “While known as the Duke of Cambridge, he also remains a Prince in status as the grandson of the monarch and as second in line to the throne.
"It is therefore correct for the Duchess of Cambridge to describe herself as a Princess of the United Kingdom.”
Only women born into the Royal Family are entitled to be known as princesses in their own right, as was the case for Princess Margaret, Princess Anne and Kate's daughter Princess Charlotte.
There have been 26 princes of Wales in history, but Prince Charles has been the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales in history. He was invested in a 1969 ceremony at Caernarfon Castle surrounded by the full force of royal pomp and ceremony.
As thousands watched on the nervous young prince stepped forward and kneeled before the Queen, before leaving the castle formally as the Prince of Wales. You can read the full story of the investiture here.
When Prince William takes on this title, his wife the Duchess of Cambridge will also be entitled to the new title that was previously held by Princess Diana.
Technically, it is a title which would be given to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, but she declined to use this title.
But Kate is expected to take on the title of Princess of Wales upon Prince Charles’ ascension to the throne, in honour of Prince William’s late mother.
People NOW’s royal correspondent, Imogen Lloyd-Webber, said: “Camilla is actually Princess of Wales but, because of Diana, she opted to be the Duchess of Cornwall.
“At some moment, William is going to become Prince of Wales.
“At that moment there’s the question, ‘is Kate going to choose to be called Princess of Wales’?”
Kate is entitled to turn down this title, but she is expected to adopt the title as a way of honouring Princess Diana. See here how Prince William is continuing his mother's legacy.
The Duchess of Cambridge will not however be entitled to use her own first name. This is a privilege which will be reserved until she is Queen.
When the Duchess of Cambridge becomes Queen, she will likely be referred to as Queen Catherine.
