The Queen’s death meant other changes in the line of succession and titles for other members of the royal family. The king’s eldest son, Prince William, is now the first heir, with his three children behind him in age order.
Once Charles and Camilla became king and queen consort, William and Catherine also automatically took over the couple’s old duchies, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
But in his speech on Friday, the king formally named William and Catherine Prince and Princess of Wales, the traditional title of the heir. A public investiture ceremony similar to the one the Queen held for her son in 1969 will follow at some point.
After Charles became king, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s two children, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were technically elevated in status.
Under royal protocols dating back to 1917, the sovereign’s children and grandchildren are entitled to the titles HRH and Prince or Princess, meaning Harry and Meghan’s children are now Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet.
In his speech, the king made sure to mention Harry and Meghan, who moved to California after leaving the royal family, saying he wanted to express his love “as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
He thanked his wife Camilla, saying he could trust her personally and as a sovereign to meet the demands of his new role.
