The title Prince William wanted for Kate - and why the Queen refused
Kate Middleton has several formal titles, but there was one particular title that Prince William desired for her, which was unfortunately denied. Prior to their 2011 wedding, there was a lot of speculation about what their official titles would be.
The Telegraph reported at the time that Prince William wanted to keep his birth name rather than adopting a dukedom. A courtier allegedly told the newspaper: "He says he was born Prince William and wants to continue to be known as that."
Furthermore, William had ideas about the title Kate should adopt, stating: "He wants Kate to become Princess Catherine."
However, this suggestion didn't sit well with the late Queen because traditionally, princesses acquire their titles through birth, not marriage.
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Royal historian Kenneth Rose stated that while the Queen has made exceptions in the past, it was unlikely in this case. He clarified: "Kate is a commoner and could not be known as 'Princess Catherine'. "However, it is up to the Queen what title she gives her and there have been one or two exceptions.
"When Prince Henry, the Duke of Gloucester died, the Queen gave the Duchess of Gloucester the title Princess Alice. This was, though, to reward her for years of loyal service."
He suggested that if Kate had become Princess Catherine immediately after her wedding, other extended Royal family members might have requested title changes.
Kenneth commented: "If this happened, I am pretty certain that Princess Michael of Kent, for example, would ask to become Princess Marie-Christine. I should think that there will be some pressure put on him [William] not to change the system."
After tying the knot in their regal nuptials, Kate assumed the title of Princess William of Wales, aligning with the female equivalent of her husband's title.
She was also bestowed with the title Duchess of Cambridge, by which she is more widely known.