Top News

Princess Charlotte would likely lose part of her title when her father ascends the throne, thanks to an age-old royal custom. Known currently as Princess Charlotte of Wales, the youngster would have to relinquish "of Wales" when her father becomes king.

That's because, as the next in line to the throne, Prince George will most probably be named the Prince of Wales after Prince William is crowned. Charlotte would no longer be referred to as Princess Charlotte of Wales in this scenario. As the daughter of a king, Charlotte would then be in need of another title.

When she was born on May 2, 2015, she held the title Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, as the daughter of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Her full title now is HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales, in a nod to King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Charlotte, 11, is third in line to the throne after her father and elder brother, Prince George, 12.

She is the first princess not to lose her position in the line of succession on the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis, after male primogeniture was abolished in a historic shift in royal tradition.

It means that if George does not have children or chooses to abdicate after he becomes king, Britain could see a Queen Charlotte on the throne.

Should Charlotte marry one day, she would, by custom, take on the title of her husband, but would retain "princess" if his title ranks beneath hers.

This was the case with Queen Victoria's sixth child, who was titled HRH The Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, after her marriage to John Campbell, the 9th Duke of Argyll.

Whatever happens in the future, Charlotte is bound to play a pivotal part in the Royal Family and will no doubt have a future title to match her significance.

Royal watchers anticipate Charlotte will one day become The Princess Royal, a title currently held by Princess Anne. The title is bestowed by the monarch on his or her eldest daughter, as it was by the late Queen on Anne in June 1987.

When William becomes king, some believe he will bestow the Princess Royal title upon Charlotte when it becomes available. As William and Catherine, Princess of Wales's only daughter, Charlotte would be a shoo-in for the position.

A title for life, The Princess Royal is the highest honour a female Royal Family member can hold. It dates back to the 17th century when King Charles I's wife, Henrietta Maria, insisted on an English equivalent to the French monarchy's "Madame Royale" title.