Catherine, Duchess of
Cambridge, received her royal title when she married Prince William back in
2011.
But ten years on, the media
and people regularly still refer to her as Kate.
So why are news reports still
using the Duchess’ nickname and maiden name instead of, or in combination with
her official title?
Kate Middleton Is What People Grew Up With
Since Kate and William’s
relationship became known in 2003, Kate Middleton attracted an enormous amount
of interest by media outlets and the public. With the couple’s engagement in
2010, more stories were published – cementing the name in the public
consciousness.
In fact, her name serves as a
reminder of why she was popular with many in the first place. Kate was a
commoner who one day met Prince Charming, captured his heart, and eventually,
married him.
Kate Middleton has many titles
Those not well-versed in the
royals could get confused by Kate’s official title – and what is more, it is
not her only title.
When in Scotland, Kate is
known as the Countess of Strathearn, and while in Northern Ireland, she is known
as Lady Carrickfergus.
Meanwhile, Kate’s occupation
on her children’s birth certificates is listed as “Princess of the United
Kingdom.”
She can even be called
Princess William of Wales, taking on her husband’s title.
And she is not bound to have
the same titles forever, either.
Catherine Elizabeth (Kate)
Middleton became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, when the Queen gave William
with a dukedom upon the couple’s wedding.
When Prince Charles ascends to
the throne, William will inherit the title of HRH The Duke of Cornwall. He will
also likely take the title of HRH The Prince of Wales, making Kate HRH
Catherine, Princess of Wales.
However, Kate will not become
“Princess Catherine”, as she was not born a Royal, the way her
daughter, Princess Charlotte, was, for example. That said, it’s quite likely
she’ll be colloquially called “Princess Kate”. It was the same with
Princess Diana, who, technically, was never a Princess.
When William succeeds to be
King one day, Kate will become HM Queen Catherine the Queen Consort – and don’t
be surprised if she gets referred to as Queen Kate.
Many royals have public nicknames
It is not the first time the
Palace wants one name and the public and media adopt another.
Diana, Princess of Wales, was
dubbed ‘Lady D’, and Sarah, Duchess of York, ‘Fergie’. Prince William – who
within the family is known informally as ‘Wills’ – may call Kate ‘Catherine’ in
public, but he allegedly uses other nicknames behind closed doors.
Despite the Palace’s best
attempts, ‘Kate’ looks like it is here to stay.
