Will Kate Middleton Really Be A Queen When William Is King?

Kate Middleton is no stranger to titles. When she married Prince William in 2011, she became a princess, although she is formally styled as Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge. Fun fact: A duchess is actually a higher rank than a princess (via Express). Also, in Scotland, she is known as Countess of Strathearn, and in Northern Island, she bears the title Lady Carrickfergus. And in what is likely recognition of her work as a member of the royal family, she was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, which is the highest rank in the Order and the equivalent of a Knight. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was also named a Dame Grand Cross back in 2012 (via Daily Mail). 

So when Prince William becomes king, we'd all just assumed that Kate Middleton, who was born a commoner, would automatically be named queen, but that's not the case. Kate will inherit a slightly different title from her grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II; instead of being known as queen, she will most likely be named queen consort, where she will be expected to support her husband. The title of queen consort was last held by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother while she was married to King George VI (via Independent and Town and Country).

Another big question is whether Kate Middleton will eventually become the Princess of Wales. Diana made the title her own, and as Princess of Wales, she was so iconic that when Camilla married Charles, Camilla became styled as the Duchess of Cornwall out of respect for Diana. Express quoted People NOW royal correspondent Imogen Lloyd-Webber as saying, "Camilla is actually Princess of Wales but, because of Diana, she opted to be the Duchess of Cornwall." So apparently Kate will not be obliged to take the title if she doesn't want to.