RF. Catherine, Princess of Wales: Her Current Role in the British Royal Family

Catherine, Princess of Wales—widely known as Kate Middleton—is one of the most prominent members of the British royal family. Following the accession of King Charles III in September 2022, she has held the historic title of Princess of Wales alongside her husband, Prince William.

There is no official or credible confirmation that Catherine has become “Queen” or that Queen Camilla has lost her title. Such claims have not been supported by Buckingham Palace or any reliable media outlet. This article explains Catherine’s current status, her public role, and the constitutional context that defines royal titles in the United Kingdom, relying on official and reputable sources.

Catherine’s Official Title: Princess of Wales

When Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022, Prince Charles became King Charles III. On 9 September 2022, he conferred the title Prince of Wales upon his son William. By tradition, William’s wife, Catherine, became Princess of Wales.

It was the first time the title had been used since Diana, Princess of Wales, making it deeply meaningful to the public. Catherine’s role includes representing the monarchy in the UK and abroad, supporting charitable causes, and undertaking official duties on behalf of the King.

Source: Royal.UK — The Prince and Princess of Wales

Queen Camilla’s Role and Title

Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, holds the title Queen Camilla, also referred to as Queen Consort. This was confirmed by King Charles upon his accession and in line with Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee message in February 2022, where she expressed her wish that Camilla would be known as Queen Consort when Charles became King.

Source: BBC News

Camilla was crowned alongside King Charles III at the Coronation on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was broadcast live to millions and confirmed her role officially and ceremonially.

Source: The Guardian — Coronation Coverage

No Official Change in Titles

There is no official evidence that Queen Camilla has been “dethroned” or that Catherine has been declared “Queen.” Buckingham Palace has issued no such statement, nor have reputable news organizations such as BBC, The Guardian, or Reuters reported any change in royal titles.

In the UK constitutional monarchy, royal titles are not changed arbitrarily or secretly. They follow formal legal processes, including instruments such as Letters Patent or, in some cases, Acts of Parliament. No such document has been issued altering the titles of Queen Camilla or Princess Catherine since the King’s accession.

Source: UK Government — Royal Family and Monarchy

The Role of Princess of Wales

Catherine has embraced her role as Princess of Wales with a strong focus on public service. She supports numerous charitable initiatives, particularly around early childhood development, mental health, family well-being, and military families.

One of her most significant projects is the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which promotes understanding of how early childhood experiences shape development and well-being. She has also been active in raising awareness about mental health, working to reduce stigma and expand resources.

Catherine often represents the monarchy abroad, meeting foreign leaders and communities to strengthen diplomatic ties.

Source: Royal.UK — The Princess of Wales

Queen Camilla’s Public Duties

Queen Camilla continues to fulfill her duties as the King’s consort. She supports King Charles III at national and international events, state banquets, and ceremonial functions.

Beyond ceremonial work, Camilla is the patron or president of numerous charities, with focus areas including:

• Literacy and promoting reading
• Raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting survivors
• Health issues such as osteoporosis prevention (a cause with personal significance to her)

Her work reflects the modern role of the royal consort, combining public duties with advocacy on social issues.

Source: Royal.UK — The Queen

The Constitutional Framework for Titles

The UK monarchy operates within a constitutional framework where royal titles are governed by law and precedent. Changes to titles are formal and public, requiring the monarch’s explicit approval and typically documented through Letters Patent.

Examples include:

• The 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V defining royal styles.
• The 2012 Letters Patent issued by Queen Elizabeth II ensuring all children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would have the HRH title.

There is no evidence of any new Letters Patent or official declaration altering the titles of Camilla or Catherine.

Public Perception of Catherine

Catherine is widely regarded as a modern face of the royal family. She is praised for her approachable style, commitment to charitable causes, and steady sense of duty.

Her public image is often seen as continuing the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, though she has carefully built her own unique role over more than a decade in the royal spotlight.

While there is broad expectation that she will one day become Queen Consort when William becomes King, that is a future scenario—not a current fact. Officially, she remains Princess of Wales.

The Royal Family’s Current Lineup

As of mid-2025, the formal structure of the senior royal family is:

• King Charles III — The reigning monarch
• Queen Camilla — Queen Consort
• Prince William — Prince of Wales
• Catherine — Princess of Wales

This structure is publicly documented, constitutionally recognized, and unchanged since Charles’s accession.

Conclusion

Catherine, Princess of Wales, plays a vital role in the modern British monarchy through her charitable work, public service, and representation of the Crown. While she is expected eventually to become Queen Consort when William ascends the throne, she does not currently hold that title.

Queen Camilla remains Queen Consort, actively supporting King Charles III in his reign. Any claims suggesting she has lost her title or that Catherine has replaced her as “Queen” are not supported by any official or reputable source.

The British monarchy continues to operate with transparency and constitutional formality. For verified updates, the best approach is to consult the official Royal Family website and reputable news organizations.

Sources

• Royal Family Official Website
• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Reuters
• UK Government — Royal Family and Monarchy