Many members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales and the King, have encountered significant upheaval in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022.
Over the past couple of years, both individuals have navigated substantial changes in their roles within the monarchy.
As the Prince of Wales prepares to assume the throne from his father, King Charles, he is anticipated to adopt the title of King William V. However, there remains uncertainty surrounding how his wife, Catherine, will be addressed, with some sources suggesting she may be referred to as Queen Catherine VI.
Renowned royal expert Tina Brown has delved into the intricate matter of succession in her insightful analyses, highlighting Prince William’s imminent proximity to becoming the monarch.
The question looms large: Is the Prince adequately prepared to ascend to the throne in his forties?
Meanwhile, King Charles and Princess Catherine are both grappling with battles against cancer, intensifying discussions around the issue of succession.
Speculation has arisen that Charles did not assume kingship until his seventies, prompting concerns for William and Catherine regarding the potential acceleration of their royal responsibilities.
Upon King Charles’s accession to the throne, Prince William was bestowed with several of his father’s former titles, such as the Duke of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales.
Similarly, Catherine acquired these titles and is recognized as the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
In Scotland, she is known as the Duchess of Rothesay.
Noted royal historian Marlene Koenig has clarified that Catherine will be designated as Queen Consort when William assumes kingship.
Given her non-reigning status, Catherine will not be assigned a numerical designation after her name.
Furthermore, her title will undergo a transformation should she outlive her husband, potentially assuming the role of Queen Mother if one of their children succeeds William to the throne.
Recently, the Princess of Wales received a prestigious accolade from King Charles, her father-in-law, imbued with special significance.
In a historic moment, she was appointed as the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, recognizing her extensive 13-year tenure as an active member of the royal family and her ardent support for the arts.
Despite her absence from official duties due to undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed cancer type, Catherine has made history as the first royal to be named a royal companion in the Order’s 107-year legacy.
Buckingham Palace disclosed that the monarch endorsed this special honor for his cherished daughter-in-law, with appointments to the Companions of Honour overseen by the Cabinet Office.
Catherine’s patronage extends to esteemed institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A, and the Royal Photographic Society.
Her appointment marks a significant gesture of support from King Charles, who is concurrently undergoing treatment for cancer, amidst the challenges she confronts.
The Order of the Companions of Honour, limited to a select group of 65 individuals, was established by King George V in 1917 to acknowledge exceptional achievements in various domains, encompassing arts, sciences, medicine, and public service.
The princess is expected to showcase this distinction at forthcoming formal events, including state visits and diplomatic receptions.
Noteworthy figures within the Order include luminaries like Sir David Attenborough, Margaret Atwood, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sir Elton John, alongside past members such as Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Winston Churchill.
The insignia of the Order features an oval medallion crowned with a royal crest, embellished with an oak tree, a shield bearing the UK’s royal arms, and a mounted knight in armor.
Emblazoned with the motto “In Action Faithful and In Honour Clear,” the Order’s legacy of honoring excellence and service endures, exemplified by Catherine’s distinguished inclusion among its esteemed members.