Current titles: William and Kate today
As of 2025, William is Prince of Wales and Kate is Princess of Wales. They are not king and queen. William is first in line to the throne after his father, King Charles III. Kate is the longest-serving female royal spouse but holds a princess title, not a queen title. Future changes would occur only after William becomes king.
Line of succession and William’s role
William became heir apparent when his father became king in September 2022. Before that, William was second in line. The title Prince of Wales, traditionally granted to the heir apparent, was conferred in 2022. The succession follows male-preference cognatic descent, meaning children inherit before a younger sibling regardless of birth order. No change in Kate’s title can occur until William ascends.
Key succession facts
- William is now the heir apparent and Prince of Wales
- Kate is the Princess of Wales, not queen or queen consort
- Titles change only when William becomes king
Explaining queen versus queen consort
Queen regnant is a reigning monarch who inherits the throne in their own right. Queen consort is the wife of a reigning king and holds a courtesy title. Camilla is queen consort because she is married to King Charles. Kate would become queen consort only if William becomes king and grants her that title; tradition would typically use Princess of Wales, but a queen consort title is possible.
Consort title nuances
The female equivalent of a king is queen regnant; the equivalent of a queen is queen consort when referring to a king’s wife. A prince consort is a rare, non-hereditary title granted to a husband of a queen regnant, as with Prince Philip. William and Kate do not hold a prince consort designation now; that designation would arise only if a female monarch appointed one.
Royal style and protocol: how titles work
Royal titles are governed by tradition, law, and the sovereign’s decisions. The monarch may grant or alter peerages and consort titles. William and Kate’s styles derive from William’s position as heir. Protocol uses Highness and Royal Highness for senior royals. Future amendments are possible, but current usage reflects Prince and Princess of Wales, not king and queen.
Style reference table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| William’s title (2025) | Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall | Royal household announcement |
| Kate’s title (2025) | Princess of Wales | Official communications |
| Heir status | First in line after Charles | Accession documents |
| Queen status | Neither is king or queen | Constitutional convention |
| Future change condition | Upon William’s accession | Established practice |
Historical context: consort and regnant precedents
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II were queen regnant. Their husbands held the title prince consort, not king. Queen Mary was a queen consort without a king regnant. King Albert II of Belgium had a queen consort. The United Kingdom has no king regnant in the modern era, so the equivalent of a king’s wife is queen consort. If William becomes king, Camilla remains queen consort unless Charles directs otherwise; Kate’s title would then be decided by tradition and the sovereign’s will.
Notable historical examples
- Prince Philip was prince consort, not king
- Queen Mary was queen consort, not regnant
- Future change occurs only upon accession
Public perception and media narratives
Media often simplifies titles, leading to confusion. Polls show many know William is heir but fewer understand the precise implications for Kate’s title. The word queen is emotionally charged and can misrepresent constitutional reality. Clarifying titles helps align public understanding with actual status and reduces speculation about future changes.
Future scenarios: what would make them king and queen?
For William to become king, Charles must die or abdicate. Upon accession, William would be king, and Kate would typically become queen consort. She might be styled Princess of Wales simultaneously, as Camilla holds both Queen Consort and Duchess of Cornwall. No scenario exists for William and Kate to be king and queen today; constitutional rules require William’s accession first.
Scenario checklist
- Death or abdication of Charles III
- William’s accession as king
- Grant of queen consort title to Kate
Common misconceptions
It is a misconception that the heir’s spouse automatically becomes queen. Titles depend on the reigning monarch’s decisions and traditions. Another myth is that the title is merely ceremonial with no legal standing; while largely traditional, royal titles are recognized in law and protocol. These distinctions matter for clarity and accuracy.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will William be king?
William will become king only after Charles III dies or abdicates. He is currently heir apparent and Prince of Wales.
Is Kate a queen now?
No. Kate is Princess of Wales. She is neither queen regnant nor queen consort at present.
What title will Kate have when William is king?
Traditionally, she would become queen consort. She may also retain the title Princess of Wales at the monarch’s discretion.
What is a prince consort?
A prince consort is the husband of a queen regnant. It is not a hereditary title and has been used rarely, most notably for Prince Philip.
Could Kate be queen in her own right?
Only if she were to accede as a reigning monarch, which would require William not to survive him or abdicate. That is not the current line of succession.