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Sam Volpe

William and Kate made Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles III after Queen's death

King Charles III used his address to the nation on Friday evening to confirm that his eldest son, the heir to the throne Prince William, had been made Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales is a title usually attached to the heir, but it is not automatic. In his address, which the new King also used to pay a touching tribute to his "dear mama" and to affirm his own pledge to serve, he confirmed that Prince William would be Prince of Wales immediately.

That is in addition to taking on the title of Duke of Cornwall to add to his previous title as Duke of Cambridge. His wife, Princess Catherine, will be the Princess of Wales - a title last held by William's mother Diana.

Read more: King Charles III addresses nation: Updates as new king speaks for first time since Queen's death

In his address to the nation, the King said: "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."

His Majesty referred to the new roles and titles now given to members of the family, confirming Camilla would serve has his Queen Consort. On William and Kate, he said: "As my heir William now assumes the titles which have meant so much to me", saying he was "proud" to call him the Prince of Wales.

He continued; "With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given."

The new King also expressed his love for son Prince Harry and wife Meghan as they "build their lives overseas".

A royal source has said the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge would aim to “create her own path” as she takes on the role of Princess of Wales – heavily associated with William’s mother.

The royal source said: “The couple are focussed on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time. The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously

“The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”

In a statement to the public released shortly after the Queen's death, he said: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.

“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

Earlier today, Prince Harry was seen leaving Balmoral and boarding a plane back to Windsor. He was photographed being comforted by airport staff in high-vis jackets as he boarded the BA plane. He has since landed at Heathrow.

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