The Truth About Becoming a Princess in the British Royal Family

Many believe that anyone can become a princess in the British Royal Family, but this is not the case. Let's delve into the reality using the incorrect assumptions made on Quora as a starting point and explore the intricate rules governing royal titles and statuses.

Who Can Truly Be Called a Princess?

According to British protocol, only those born into the royal family can have a Christian name used with the title 'Princess.' The current list of Princesses includes:

Princess Alexandra Princess Anne Princess Beatrice Princess Eugenie Princess Charlotte

Women who marry princes can use the title 'Princess' with their husbands' names. For example, Princess Diana, Sophie, Duchess of Sussex, and Princess Michael of Kent. This system is a distinctive one, set apart from many other royal families across Europe.

The Different Systems of Title Stylings

The British system follows an old Germanic tradition where a royal wife is styled with her husband's name. This differs from others, such as Scandinavian monarchies, where the wife is styled with her own name. The terms 'princess' and 'duchess' are used to denote different but equally important roles within the family hierarchy.

For example, unless specified otherwise, a woman who marries a prince is considered a princess. When the wife of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, became widows, they were allowed to be styled as 'Dowager Princess'(1). This shows that they held the same rank, status, and privileges as a princess in their own right.

A Historical Framework

The tradition of styling a princess under the terms of her husband's title is not a new concept. When Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the future Queen Mother, married Prince Edward, Duke of York, she became Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York with the status of a princess. This was confirmed by a statement from the Royal Court of St James’s.

During the marriage of the first non-royal bride to a British prince, the British government reiterated the rule that the wife of a "Royal Highness" would become a "Royal Highness" automatically. This principle is elaborated by the Home Secretary, who stated that a wife takes the status of her husband, irrespective of her pre-marriage status.

Current Royal Rules and Practices

Recent examples include Princess Catherine and Princess Meghan, whose children are officially listed as princesses of the United Kingdom. This is a testament to the current practices and the importance of these titles within the royal framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a woman can become a princess through marriage to a prince, such claims are subject to specific rules and regulations defined by the House of Windsor and the British government. While misunderstandings may occur, the official status and protocol clearly define the role and title of a princess.

References:

For more information on the rules and traditions of the British Royal Family, you may refer to official documents and historical records.

Note: (1) The Queen did not make these women princesses, they already held the title through their marriages.