Why did Prince William go from being “Prince of Wales” as a child, to “Duke of Cambridge” when he got married, and now back to “Prince of Wales” now that his dad is King?

Question

Why not just remain “Prince of Wales” the whole time?

In: 0

Answer 1

He was born *to* the Prince of Wales (Charles). As such, he was styled Prince William of Wales, and his brother Prince Harry of Wales. So, he was not the Prince of Wales. That’s reserved for the first in line to the throne.

When British princes get married, they’re usually gifted a title from the sovereign. Prince William received the Duke of Cambridge and was known as that.

When the Queen died, William’s father became King. The title of the Prince of Wales was then given to William. As he is now the first in line to throne. His children used to be “of Cambridge”. Now they are “of Wales”.