Prince William had plans to give his wife Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, a special title, but it was rejected by his grandmother.

It’s said the future king had hoped this would come into effect after they tied the knot in Westminster Abbey in 2011. However, the one obstacle turned out to be the late Queen Elizabeth II at the time.
Prince William’s request for Kate Middleton to have a special title was denied by the late Queen (Credit: INFphoto.com)

Prince William wanted to give Kate Middleton a ‘special title’

Before Kate and William married, there were discussions over what the couple would be known as.

When members of the royal family tie the knot, the monarch usually gives them a new title for the day of the nuptials.

For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

When it came to Prince William and Kate Middleton, it was announced they would hold the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – but the groom wanted to give her another one.

The Telegraph reported at the time that the heir to the throne wanted his bride to become Princess Catherine, and for himself to continue as Prince William, instead of becoming a duke.

A courtier told the publication: “He says he was born Prince William and wants to continue to be known as that.”

But the Queen denied his request, and instead gave them their titles they used for 11 years.
Kate was not a princess by blood (Credit: Zak Hussein/INFevents.com)

Queen rejected William’s request over royal tradition

Prince William’s feelings over wanting to give Kate Middleton the special princess title was shot down by his grandmother.

This is because, as per royal tradition, a member of The Firm is typically only a princess through birth and not marriage. This is why Meghan Markle is technically not Princess Meghan, as well.

For example, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, Prince Edward’s wife, is not Princess Sophie, and Sarah Ferguson, who wed Prince Andrew, became the Duchess of York and not Princess Sarah.

Whereas, Andrew’s daughters, became Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

However, there have been times the monarch made exceptions to the royal rule. When the Duke of Gloucester passed away, Her Majesty awarded his wife the title of Princess Alice, to reward her for years of loyal service.

But it Kate received the special title Princess Catherine after she wed Prince William – like he wanted – it could cause issues within The Firm. It may have led to other royals requesting their own title changes.

It’s up to the Queen – 0r now King Charles – to decide what title they give individuals marrying into the royal family.
The royal has several titles (Credit: Nils Jorgensen/Cover Images)

What are Kate Middleton’s titles?

After their royal wedding, Kate received many royal titles, and some are lesser known than others.

She became Princess William of Wales – the feminine form of William’s title. Kate could have chosen to go by this if she wanted, but her Duchess of Cambridge title was higher, and she went by that instead.

The now mum-of-three also became the Duchess of Rothesay and Countess of Chester.

When the Queen died in September 2022, she became Catherine, the Princess of Wales and William the Prince of Wales. They received the titles after Charles ascended to the throne.