When Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Scotland, they leave behind their familiar titles of Prince and Princess of Wales. Instead, they embrace the historic titles of Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, reflecting the rich traditions and deep-rooted history of the Scottish monarchy.
A Regal Transformation for Royal Week
Prince William recently joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh for the Order of the Thistle service, a key event during Royal Week in Scotland. During these visits, William adopts the title of Duke of Rothesay, while Kate becomes the Duchess of Rothesay. This title has been reserved for the male heir to the Scottish throne since 1469, underscoring the distinct identity the royal family maintains in Scotland.
King Charles, in his first speech as monarch on September 9, 2022, following Queen Elizabeth’s death, conferred the Rothesay dukedom onto William. “As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me,” King Charles declared, highlighting the continuity and significance of these historic titles.
A Tradition of Titles and Responsibilities
In addition to becoming the Duke of Rothesay, Prince William also succeeded his father as the Duke of Cornwall, taking on the responsibilities of the Duchy of Cornwall. Upon Queen Elizabeth’s passing, William and Kate briefly updated their social media profiles to reflect their new titles, emphasizing the evolving nature of their roles within the royal family.
King Charles also bestowed upon his eldest son the title of Prince of Wales, a designation historically held by the heir apparent to the English throne since around 1301. This title carries profound historical weight, having been held by Charles for over six decades. His late mother, Princess Diana, was famously the Princess of Wales after marrying then-Prince Charles in 1981, a title she maintained until her tragic death in 1997.
A Multitude of Titles for the Modern Royals
Beyond these prominent titles, Prince William also acquired several others, including Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. These titles reflect his status as the eldest son of the sovereign and his integral role within the Scottish nobility.
On their wedding day in April 2011, Queen Elizabeth granted William and Kate the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, names they carried with distinction for over a decade. Additionally, William was named Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, with Kate receiving the corresponding titles. While they retain these titles, their more senior designations take precedence in their official capacities.
A Modest Approach to Royal Duties
As Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate are committed to fostering trust and respect among the people of Wales. A royal source shared with PEOPLE that the couple plans to approach their new roles “in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.” Unlike his father, Prince William did not have a formal investiture ceremony to mark his becoming the Prince of Wales, reflecting a modern, understated approach to their duties.
Kate, now the Princess of Wales, is mindful of the historical significance of her new role. A royal source explained that she “appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”
Health and Public Engagements
Despite her new title, Princess Kate’s public appearances remain limited as she continues to prioritize her health while undergoing cancer treatment. She did not attend the Thistle Service at St. Giles’ Cathedral, where Queen Camilla and Prince Edward were inducted into Scotland’s highest order of chivalry. Her appearance at Trooping the Colour in London on June 15 was not an indication of a full return to public duties.
In a health update since her diagnosis in March, Kate expressed her hope to participate in a few public engagements over the summer but acknowledged she is “not out of the woods yet.” The timeline for her full return to royal responsibilities remains uncertain, emphasizing her commitment to recovery and well-being.
Conclusion: Embracing Tradition and Modernity
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s use of different titles in Scotland highlights the enduring traditions and rich history of the British monarchy. As they navigate their evolving roles, the couple balances respect for the past with a modern approach to their duties, ensuring their continued relevance and connection to the public.
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