Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children will likely receive historic titles when their father is the monarch

(L to R) Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince George, Prince William.Credit : Samir Hussein/WireImage

When Prince William one day becomes king, he won’t be the only royal with a title change.

Upon the death of King Charles, William will immediately become monarch and choose a regnal name. He’ll also have to make important decisions regarding his and Kate Middleton’s three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The bestowal of titles is a centuries-old practice in the royal family. For example, the tradition of the monarch’s eldest son being bestowed the title of Prince of Wales dates back all the way to 1301, according to royal expert Debrett’s.

William and Kate may not be forced to make major decisions right away. Given that George, Charlotte and Louis are currently just 12, 10 and 7 years old, respectively, if William accedes to the throne within the next few years, it could be some time before the family decides how to proceed. In fact, many major titles are bestowed on wedding days or when a royal family member comes of age.

So, what titles could be eventually in store for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis after their father becomes king?

Prince George

Prince George attends Wimbledon on July 13, 2025.Tim Clayton/Getty

The moment William becomes king, his eldest son, Prince George, will stand to inherit several titles. Per royal tradition, George will instantly become the Duke of Cornwall. He will also automatically inherit several other titles, including the Scottish title of Duke of Rothesay.

George will also likely be given the title of Prince of Wales, though that may depend on his age and marital status at the time of his father’s accession. Prince William was 40 years old and married when King Charles became the sovereign, and so he was granted the title almost immediately. However, it’s possible that William could decide to hold off until his son comes of age or grant him the title on his wedding day if those events haven’t happened yet.

Along with the Prince of Wales title will come several others, including the Earl of Chester. However, William’s title as Duke of Cambridge will not immediately be George’s. It will revert to the Crown, and could possibly be granted to someone else.

Princess Charlotte

Princess Charlotte attends Wimbledon on July 13, 2025.Karwai Tang/WireImage

Compared to her brothers, there are far fewer possible titles available for Charlotte. Dukedoms are only issued to men, and the only way for a woman to become a duchess is to marry a duke.

The one major title available to Charlotte is that of Princess Royal. The lifelong rank is purely honorary, but it is the highest honor that can be given to a female member of the royal family. British etiquette expert Debrett’s notes that only seven princesses have held the title since it was created by King Charles I in 1642 for his daughter, Princess Mary. The current holder of the title is Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, Princess Anne.

However, the title would have to be vacant for Charlotte to inherit it, meaning she could not become Princess Royal until Princess Anne dies.

Prince Louis

Prince Louis attends Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025.Karwai Tang/WireImage

Like his sister, Louis also won’t automatically receive any titles when his father becomes king. However, as a male in the line of succession, there are far more possible options.

The most obvious prospect is the Dukedom of York, which has been traditionally bestowed on the monarch’s second son since King Edward IV in 1474, according to Debrett’s.

Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, was known as the Duke of York prior to the surprising abdication of his elder brother, King Edward VIII, in 1936.

However, the scandal surrounding King Charles’ brother, the former Prince Andrew — who was stripped of his dukedom as well as his other royal titles, including prince, in October 2025 — has led some to believe that the York title is tainted and won’t be reassigned in the future. It will likely depend on what titles are vacant and available when and if it becomes time to grant Louis his own dukedom.