Prince William will become Prince of Wales after the death of the late Queen last week at the age of 96.
The title of Prince of Wales, which was given to Charles in 1958, will be passed on to the King’s oldest son after 64 years as Welsh sovereign.
Upon becoming King, Charles bestowed the title onto the 40-year-old prince, saying: “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”
The new Prince, who was ‘honoured’ by the announcement, is now next in line to the British throne.
Why is William becoming Prince of Wales?
The position of Prince of Wales dates back to the early 14th century when Edward I of England created the title for his 16-year-old son after the conquest of Wales.
While the title did not pass onto Edward III after the death of his grandfather, the tradition of making the heir to the throne Prince of Wales began.
In 1969, the then-Prince Charles undertook his investiture and was declared Prince of Wales, becoming the longest serving head of the principality.
What does the title Prince of Wales mean?
The position is ceremonial and is usually given to the male heir to the British throne.
Charles used his position to promote social causes close to his heart and founded the Prince’s Trust to help vulnerable young people across the U.K.
What is Kate’s Title?
William’s wife, Kate Middleton, is now Princess of Wales. The couple was previously made Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge and Cornwall on their wedding day in 2011.
Why was Camilla not Princess of Wales?
King Charles's second wife, Camilla, who he married in 2005, was made Princess of Wales but did not choose to use the title due to its association with Charles’ late ex-wife, Diana Spencer who died in a car accident in 1997.
What has happened so far?
The Queen’s death was announced last Thursday after concerns about the monarch’s health prompted members of the Royal Family to make their way to the Queen’s Scottish estate of Balmoral.
Charles was proclaimed King this weekend at the age of 70. The Queen’s funeral is due to take place on Monday 19 September.
The country is currently undergoing a period of national mourning with many sporting, music, and political events canceled or rescheduled.
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