There has been a lot of talk lately about royal titles and who is entitled to one, following the arrival of more of the Queen's great-grandchildren, as well as the death of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. Which royal babies are entitled to be a prince or princess? And what happens to the Duke of Edinburgh title now that Prince Philip is dead?
Now, another royal could be set to change her title, as Lady Louise Windsor approaches her 18th birthday on 8 November.
At her birth, her parents, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, announced that she would be raised without the title of princess, although she is entitled to it as the grandchild of the monarch. It was reportedly discussed and decided with the Queen ahead of her arrival.
In interviews, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has confirmed that the couple came to the decision in order to allow their children (Lady Louise has a younger brother, James, Viscount Severn, who could also have been styled as Prince James) a relatively 'normal' life. As non-senior royals, they are expected to work for a living, rather than as working members of the royal family. It was thought that allowing them to grow up without titles would enable them to better adjust to their futures.
'We try to educate them with the understanding that they will most likely have to work for a living,' Sophie told the Sunday Times last year. 'That is why we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them after 18, but I think it is very unlikely.'
Ultimately, when Louise turns 18, she can decide to style herself as HRH Princess Louise if she wants to, as per the King George V 1917 letters patent. This means that as the granddaughter of the monarch through the male line and the daughter of a prince, she is a princess.
While it seems unlikely that the young royal - who has largely stayed out of the public eye - will begin using her princess title, it has been speculated upon more recently, following a rumoured (but disputed) argument between her father Prince Edward and his elder brother Prince Charles.
According to tabloids, the brothers are reportedly in disagreement over Edward inheriting his late father's Duke of Edinburgh title, which would need to be bestowed on him by Charles when he ascends to the throne. It was announced on the occasion of Edward's wedding that this would be the case, but some news outlets have reported that Charles is now hesitant to do so.
Subscribe now for a trial offer of 3 issues for £1 plus free digital editions and home delivery.
More from Tatler
