5 Things About The Royals That Will Change When Queen Elizabeth Dies

Queen Elizabeth has sat on the British throne for so long that it’s almost impossible to picture the royal family without her at its helm. Sadly, the time will come when she’ll no longer be queen. When that happens, there will be seismic shifts in the royal universe.

1. Kate Middleton will finally be called a princess

Kate Middleton is technically already a princess as she is allowed to share Prince William’s title. But the title “Princess William of Wales” is hardly ever used and does not include her own name.

When Prince Charles becomes king, William will become the Prince of Wales and Kate will take on the title “Princess of Wales.” Like Princess Diana, she could also be publicly referred to as “Princess Catherine.”

2. But she may opt out of Diana’s title

The title “Princess of Wales” is deeply attached to the memory of Diana. Many royal experts believe that when the time comes, the Duchess of Cambridge will choose to take on a different title out of respect for the late princess.

3. Camilla will technically become the new queen

In the British monarchy, the wife of a king is technically a queen consort. But Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have such a fraught history with the public that it’s possible she won’t take on the title of “Queen Consort.” There is speculation that she will choose to be known as “Princess Consort” instead.

Regardless of what designation she opts for, Camilla will still be a queen when Charles becomes king. This is similar to the fact that she is technically the current Princess of Wales even though she has chosen not to use the title.

4. Charles may change his name

The monarch is allowed to pick a new name when he or she ascends the throne. As fans of “The Crown” know, Prince Albert, Queen Elizabeth’s father, became King George VI.

Because the two King Charles that the United Kingdom has had are known for their involvement in the English Civil Wars, there have been suggestions that Charles will choose a new name when he becomes king. Some have speculated that he will want to be named Philip, after his father, or George, after his grandfather.

5. There will be new addresses

There may be a reshuffling of royal addresses. Charles and Camilla will likely move from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch. William and Kate may opt to stay at Kensington Palace or relocate to Clarence House, unless Charles decides to keep the latter for himself and Camilla.