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Royal Titles Explained

Why is Catherine both a princess and a duchess? What makes Queen Camilla’s title different from Queen Elizabeth II’s? Here is a clear guide to the British royal titles you see most often.

Current examples checked against the Royal Household on September 27, 2026.

King and Queen

King Charles III is the reigning monarch and Head of State. His wife, Queen Camilla, is a queen consort: she holds the title through marriage to the King and does not reign in her own right. Queen Elizabeth II was a queen regnant, meaning she was the sovereign herself.

Both women can be called “the Queen” in the appropriate context. The distinction is about who holds the sovereign’s constitutional role.

Prince and Princess

Prince and Princess can describe members of the Royal Family by birth, or a title used in connection with marriage. The exact style depends on the person and the rules that apply. Prince William was born a prince; his wife Catherine became a member of the Royal Family through marriage and uses the title Princess of Wales.

The word “prince” or “princess” does not answer whether someone carries out official duties. Those are separate facts to check.

Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince of Wales is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent. It is not automatic when the heir changes: the sovereign grants it. King Charles announced William as Prince of Wales in September 2022, and Catherine is Princess of Wales as his wife. William’s position as heir and his title are related, but they are not the same thing.

For the order after William, read our guide to the line of succession.

Duke and Duchess

A duke holds a dukedom, which is a title of the peerage. Royal family members can also hold dukedoms. A duchess may hold the feminine form in her own right or use it as the wife of a duke, depending on the title. For example, Prince Edward was granted the title Duke of Edinburgh in 2023; his wife Sophie is Duchess of Edinburgh.

A dukedom does not, by itself, reveal whether someone is in the line of succession or performs royal duties. Prince Harry is Duke of Sussex and remains in the line of succession, although he is not a working royal.

Princess Royal

Princess Royal is a title historically given to the monarch’s eldest daughter. Queen Elizabeth II gave it to her daughter Anne in 1987. Anne holds it for life, so it does not pass automatically to the next generation. She is now The Princess Royal.

Why can titles change?

A new reign, marriage, a grant from the sovereign, divorce or death can change how someone is styled. A change in public duties can also affect how a style is used. It does not automatically erase a title. For a current name or style, check a recent official biography or announcement rather than relying on an older headline.

Frequently asked questions

Is a princess the same as a duchess?

No. Princess is a royal title or style; Duchess relates to a dukedom. One person may use both in different contexts.

Is Queen Camilla the monarch?

No. King Charles III is the sovereign. Camilla is Queen as his consort.

Does a royal title mean someone is a working royal?

No. A title, a place in the line of succession and an official public role each answer a different question.

Sources and updates

This guide was reviewed on September 27, 2026 against the Royal Household’s current family overview, its explanation of the Prince of Wales title, Princess Royal history and the Duke of Edinburgh announcement. Current titles and styles should be rechecked when this page is updated.

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