King Charles Is Reportedly Saving This Royal Title for Princess Charlotte — specifically the Duchess of Edinburgh, a designation that carries the fingerprints of Queen Elizabeth II herself, and which multiple sources describe as the most likely destination for Charlotte once the timing is right.
The title has a specific history within the family. Queen Elizabeth II held it from her 1947 marriage to Prince Philip until her accession in 1952. It lay dormant for decades until 2023, when King Charles elevated Prince Edward to the Dukedom of Edinburgh — a title Philip had held and had wished Edward to receive. Sophie became Duchess of Edinburgh simultaneously.
When Edward dies, the title will not pass to his son James. Dukedoms created by royal patent return to the Crown on the holder’s death unless the patent specifies otherwise. The Dukedom of Edinburgh would revert.
A royal source cited in subsequent press reporting said: “Discussions are underway, but the favoured outcome for the King is that this title ought to go to Princess Charlotte.”
Royal author Robert Hardman offered further detail in an interview with Hello! magazine. “I was told the King wanted to reserve the Duchess of Edinburgh role for her, which could happen,” he said. “Edward, when he dies, will lose that title. It won’t go to his son. But I think she’ll be the Princess Royal, as Anne is. There’s no better model.”
The Princess Royal — a second possible title — is traditionally bestowed on the eldest daughter of the monarch. Currently held by Princess Anne since 1987, it can only pass to Charlotte when Anne is no longer alive. The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden told the Palace Confidential podcast: “Traditionally, the Princess Royal would be the eldest daughter of the monarch, so when William becomes King, it is likely that Princess Charlotte, if Princess Anne is dead, may be our future Princess Royal.”
Charlotte is nine years old. She carries Diana as a middle name. She may one day carry Edinburgh or Princess Royal as a title. The building of her royal identity has already begun, in rooms she is not yet old enough to enter.
