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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Alistair Mason

Who becomes the Prince of Wales now that Charles is King?

Now that Charles is King, the title of Prince of Wales is officially vacant. It is traditionally held by the heir to the throne, but it is not passed on automatically.

That means William, who is now officially known as the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, will likely be given the title at some point in the future. When exactly that will happen, though, is unclear.

Charles was heir to the throne for six years before being made Prince of Wales. He became heir in 1952 - at the age of just three - but it wasn't until 1958 that the Queen gave him the title.

Read more: Queen's funeral date as Operation London Bridge is put in place following monarch's death

It is technically possible - but seen as highly unlikely - that the King could decide not to make William Prince of Wales. It is widely anticipated that William will be the next Prince of Wales.

If and when he becomes Prince of Wales, Kate will become Princess of Wales. Once he becomes king, it will be William's prerogative to bestow the title of Prince of Wales on his eldest son George, who will then be heir to the throne.

While William does not automatically become Prince of Wales, there are some titles he has already inherited. He and Kate are now the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland.

Their children will now be known as Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge, and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge. The titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, will not change.

Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are technically now a prince and princess but, in line with their parents' changed role in the monarchy, it is expected that these titles will not be used. They may be removed by the King at some point in the future.

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