The Queen’s grandchildren, Lady Louise Windsor and her brother James, Viscount Severn, have chosen not to use the titles of HRH Prince or Princess, unlike some of their cousins.
Lady Louise stands a chance of becoming a Princess in the future due to being the grandchild of the Queen through her youngest son, Prince Edward.
This possibility stems from a historic decree issued in 1917 that remains valid today, which grants princely status and the title of Royal Highness to all male-line grandchildren of a reigning monarch.
Essentially, the offspring of the current King or Queen have the privilege of bestowing princely titles upon their own children.
Despite this longstanding tradition, Buckingham Palace made a significant announcement following the nuptials of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, stating that their children would inherit titles typically reserved for the offspring of an Earl.
Speculation arose that this might change once Lady Louise reaches the age of 18 on November 8, 2021, but such expectations did not materialize.
However, the royal landscape is poised for transformation following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle.
The ascension of King Charles III to the throne will mark a pivotal moment, potentially leading to changes in the titles of other members of the royal family, including Lady Louise’s father, Prince Edward.
In anticipation of these shifts, Buckingham Palace previously indicated that Prince Edward is likely to be granted the dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, once the current title held by Prince Philip reverts to the crown.
This decision ultimately rests with King Charles, who may appoint Prince Edward as the successor to his mother’s title.
In such a scenario, Lady Louise’s title would remain unchanged unless she decides otherwise.
Countess Sophie, known for her candid views on raising her children to be self-reliant, expressed doubt about the likelihood of her offspring embracing the HRH titles once they come of age.
Despite being entitled to use these honorifics from the age of 18, Lady Louise has opted not to do so, reflecting her contentment with the choices available to her.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Norfolk, responsible for orchestrating the Queen’s burial, recently faced a setback in the form of a six-month driving ban.
The nobleman asserted in court that he needed his driving license to oversee the upcoming coronation of the King, emphasizing the importance of his role in planning such a significant event.
However, despite his plea, the driving ban was imposed after the Earl Marshal, Edward FitzAlan Howard, admitted to using his phone while behind the wheel.
This transgression occurred when he drove through a red light in southwest London, prompting the authorities to intervene.
During the court proceedings, it emerged that the Duke had accumulated nine penalty points from previous speeding violations, with the latest incident pushing him closer to disqualification.
Despite the unique circumstances surrounding his position and responsibilities, the magistrate’s panel decided to uphold the driving ban, underscoring the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic laws.
As the nation bid farewell to its longest-reigning monarch in a solemn ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the Duke of Norfolk reflected on the humbling yet daunting experience of organizing the funeral, which drew dignitaries and spectators from around the world.
In conclusion, the intricate web of royal protocols and personal choices continues to shape the destinies of individuals like Lady Louise Windsor and the Duke of Norfolk, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in the realm of British royalty.