Can Kate Middleton ever be a princess? Why is Prince William’s wife called Duchess?

When Kate Middleton married a prince, many expected her to become a princess, taking on the female version of his title. However, this did not happen, and she instead become a Duchess, leading many to question why. Is Kate Middleton a princess at all? Could she become one? In fact, Kate is a princess, although she is not called by this title.

Kate’s occupation was listed as ‘princess’ on Prince Louis’ birth certificate. 

On the legal document she was registered as a “Princess of the United Kingdom”.

However, she is not known at Princess Kate. Why not?

Kate’s full title is “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge”.

However, by virtue of being married to a Prince she is also a princess.

When she married Prince William in 2011 he was given a peerage and became the Duke of Cambridge.

His wife took on his title too, making her the Duchess of Cambridge.

Technically this is a higher rank that that of princess in a number of circumstances, including Kate’s. Therefore this title takes precedence.

Kate Middleton’s title changes, depending upon her location in the United Kingdom. 

Interestingly, she has different titles in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

When she is in Scotland Kate goes by Countess of Strathearn.

This title is reserved for anyone who is the wife of the current holder of the title Earl of Strathearn – Prince William.

As Prince William is Baron Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, when in the country Kate is known as Lady Carrickfergus.

Kate sometimes uses the two names in a fuller version of her title, when she goes by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn and Lady Carrickfergus.

Kate also has the luxury of going by Princess William, if she so chooses, although she has not been known to use this title.

Kate Middleton wore a style loved by Meghan Markle in Cyprus yesterday, prompting comparisons. 

How did Kate Middleton become a royal?

Early life

Kate Middleton, or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England.

She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and air hostess. The couple founded a party supplies company, Party Pieces, in 1987 – now estimated to be worth £30 million.

Kate has a younger sister Pippa Matthews, 34, and a younger brother James Middleton, 31.

Education

Kate and her family moved to Amman, Jordan, in 1984, where the future Duchess was educated at an English-speaking nursery school.

After moving back to Berkshire the family sent Kate to private school, St Andrews School. She went on to briefly study at Downe House before moving onto Marlborough College where she boarded.

For university the young Kate attended the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Here she was awarded an undergraduate MA (2:1 Hons) in history of art.

Relationship with Prince William

Kate met Prince William when they were both studying at St Andrews, and both living in St Salvator’s Hall. Famously, William reportedly took a fancy to Kate after she wore a see-through dress during a fashion show.

In 2003 the couple began dating and lived together during their second year of university.

The couple split in April 2007, however, in October they were back together.

Wedding

Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring in October 2010. The couple were holidaying in Kenya at the time.

On 29 April 2011 they married at Westminster Abbey with a whopping 26 million watching the event live.

Kate wore an Alexander McQueen dress worth a reported £250,000 on the big day.

Kate assumed the title “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge” and also become the Duchess of Cambridge on the day.