Meghan Markle, on the other hand, had a distinctive path into the royal family. She married Prince Harry, who held the title of Duke of Sussex. While the title "Duchess of Sussex" was conferred upon Meghan, she also holds the title of "Princess of the United Kingdom." This distinction is largely attributed to the direct lineage of Prince Harry as the younger son of Prince Charles.
The British royal family's hierarchy is determined by the line of succession. When Catherine married Prince William, he was second in line to the throne, making her position as a future queen consort a possibility. However, this proximity to the throne does not automatically grant her the title of princess.
Meghan's entry into the royal family occurs further down the line of succession due to Prince Harry's position as a younger son. This factor allowed for the distinction of "Princess of the United Kingdom" to be granted to her.
The British peerage system plays a pivotal role in conferring titles. A duchess is considered a higher-ranking title than princess. Catherine's title as Duchess of Cambridge, although not a princess, holds a place of prominence due to the peerage system's hierarchy.
Meghan's title of Duchess of Sussex is accompanied by the honorary title of "Princess of the United Kingdom." This comprehensive title reflects her position within the royal family and ensures her recognition as both a duchess and a princess.
As the royal family continues to evolve, traditions and titles have also undergone changes. The recognition of Meghan as a princess underscores the monarchy's adaptation to the modern world while still upholding historical customs.
The distinction between Catherine and Meghan's titles as members of the British royal family stems from a combination of historical precedence, lineage, peerage hierarchy, and evolving traditions. While Catherine holds the title of Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan's unique position as both Duchess of Sussex and Princess of the United Kingdom showcases the intricate layers of the British monarchy. This article aimed to unravel the reasons behind this distinction, offering a comprehensive understanding of why Catherine is not recognized as a princess, while Meghan enjoys the prospect of being one.
