In 2018, Queen Elizabeth publicly backed eldest son Prince Charles, not Prince William, as the next Commonwealth leader.
The 1701 Act of Settlement is the act of Parliament that determines the succession to the throne and requires that a monarch's heir must be his or her direct successor (and a Protestant). "You're there as a back-up." [did not have the power to choose her successor](https://people.com/royals/why-prince-william-will-never-be-king-before-prince-charles/) on a whim. [ Sign up for our free Royals newsletter](https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=237) to get the latest updates on [Kate Middleton](https://people.com/tag/kate-middleton/), [Meghan Markle](https://people.com/tag/meghan-markle/) and more! [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/) also said earlier this year that when Charles becomes the monarch, she wants his wife, [Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall](https://people.com/tag/camilla-duchess-of-cornwall), to be known as Queen Consort. [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/) made the rare move of publicly [backing Charles as the next Commonwealth leader](https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-publicly-backs-prince-charles-next-commonwealth-leader/), formally asking the Commonwealth Heads of Government to appoint Charles as her successor of the association of Britain and its former colonies.
Prince William was spotted driving to Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral Castle on Thursday, September 8, amid health concerns — see photo.
[ Prince Harry ](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/prince-harry/)is [also headed that way, but flying solo](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-harry-meghan-to-be-with-queen-elizabeth-amid-health-concerns/). [suffering from “episodic mobility problems”](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-miss-parliament-opening-amid-mobility-issues/) since May. [ Prince Andrew](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/prince-andrew/), [Prince Edward and Countess Sophie](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-edward-sophie-joke-about-harry-and-meghan-interview/) were also in the vehicle. Neither [Duchess Kate](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/kate-middleton/) nor [Meghan Markle](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/meghan-markle/) joined their spouses at the impromptu family gathering. I was blessed that in [my late husband] Prince Philip, I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it. She added: “I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family. “These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefitted us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.” [Prince William](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/prince-william/), for his part, was photographed driving into [the 96-year-old monarch’s Balmoral Castle in Scotland](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-skips-balmoral-castle-welcome-amid-discomfort/) on Thursday, September 8. [previously wrote in a February statement](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-celebrates-platinum-jubilee-70-years-on-throne/). [Prince Charles](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/prince-charles/) and [Duchess Camilla](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/duchess-camilla/). Elizabeth, who [celebrated 70 years on the throne](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-blown-away-by-platinum-jubilee-despite-setbacks/) earlier this year, even opted out of several Platinum Jubilee events the following month [amid feeling “discomfort.”](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-skip-thanksgiving-service-due-to-discomfort/) [the Thursday statement read](https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-iis-doctors-are-concerned-about-her-health/).
British royals including Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince William and her sons Princes Andrew and Edward have arrived in Scotland by plane to be with the ...
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
Eventually, Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to be given the Prince and Princess of Wales titles by King Charles III. But already—just hours ...
The king and the queen consort were already in Scotland when the Queen’s need for medical attention was announced earlier today. Eventually, Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to be given the Prince and Princess of Wales titles by King Charles III. Charles rarely went by his Cornwall title, most often going by Prince of Wales; Camilla nearly always went by hers, as the late Princess Diana was so widely known as the Princess of Wales during her lifetime.
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Here are the new royal titles you need to know for King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William and Kate ...
Hours later, it was confirmed that Prince Charles, the new monarch, will now be known as King Charles III. Meanwhile, 'Queen' is given to female rulers. For example, King Charles' grandfather's was baptised as Albert Frederick Arthur George but, on becoming king, he became George VI.
The foursome flew north to see Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, where she is under medical supervision.
The monarch has been experiencing [episodic mobility issues](https://people.com/royals/prince-charles-and-prince-william-offer-glimpse-of-future-monarchy-in-striking-image/), and a source tells PEOPLE that the decision was made to host the audience as Balmoral to provide certainty for schedules. [Prince William](https://people.com/tag/prince-william/), [Prince Andrew](https://people.com/tag/prince-andrew/), [Prince Edward](https://people.com/tag/prince-edward/) and his wife [Sophie, Countess of Wessex](https://people.com/tag/sophie-countess-of-wessex/) touched down at Aberdeen Airport in Scotland Thursday to see the 96-year-old monarch at [Balmoral Castle](https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-summer-escape-balmoral-castle-scotland/). Also en route is [Prince Harry](https://people.com/tag/prince-harry/), who flew to Europe this week with wife [Meghan Markle](https://people.com/tag/meghan-markle/) for a for a series of visits with their longstanding charitable causes. The 73-year-old heir to the throne was [in Scotland](https://people.com/royals/prince-charles-wears-kilt-engagements-scotland/) Wednesday carrying out engagements. [Princess Anne](https://people.com/tag/princess-anne/), the Queen's only daughter, was also already in the country for royal duties, and is making her way to Balmoral to be the monarch's side. [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/)'s family is on the move.
Prince Charles, Prince William and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have all traveled to be with Queen Elizabeth II after doctors said they are “concerned” for ...
The monarch then missed several important public events, such as the [Easter Sunday service](https://www.eonline.com/news/1327285/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-miss-easter-sunday-service-with-royal-family) in April and a few of her [Platinum Jubilee festivities](https://www.eonline.com/news/1333271/queen-elizabeth-ii-to-skip-service-of-thanksgiving-after-feeling-discomfort-during-platinum-jubilee) in June. [deeply concerned by the news](https://www.eonline.com/news/1345337/queen-elizabeth-iis-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health) from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime," she tweeted Sept. [remain under medical supervision](https://www.eonline.com/news/1345337/queen-elizabeth-iis-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health)" following an evaluation Sept. On April 20, just one day shy of the Queen's 96th birthday, a senior Buckingham Palace spokesperson told E! "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time." The Palace added that the Queen "remains comfortable" in her residence.
Prince William is now heir apparent to the British throne after the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
William throws a foam javelin during a visit to Nottingham, England, in 2012. William became the patron of the organization in 2005. The two met while attending the University of St. Prince William kisses his wife, Catherine, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding on April 29, 2011. The event fell on what would have been their mother's 46th birthday. William graduated as an Army officer and later went on to receive his Royal Air Force pilot's wings. William was attending the University of St. Prince William makes his water polo debut for the Scottish national universities squad during the annual Celtic Nations tournament in April 2004. He earned a degree in geography. William was 15 at the time, and Harry was 12. Members of the royal family stand vigil besides the Queen Mother's coffin in 2002. He was visiting his mother and his newborn brother, Prince Harry.
Prince William and Kate Middleton took on the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Meghan Markle, however, [did not make the journey](https://pagesix.com/2022/09/08/meghan-markle-not-joining-royal-family-to-be-at-queens-bedside/) with her husband as she was in Germany promoting the Invictus Games. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. Per the Queen’s wishes, Camilla Parker Bowles, his wife, will [become Queen Consort](https://nypost.com/2022/02/05/queen-elizabeth-backs-camilla-as-queen-consort/). [Up Next](https://pagesix.com/2022/09/08/queen-elizabeths-glamorous-life-with-celebrities-in-photos/) [formerly known as Prince Charles](https://pagesix.com/2022/09/08/the-royal-familys-title-changes-after-queen-elizabeth-iis-death/) — said in a statement that his mother’s passing was a [“moment of great sadness.”](https://pagesix.com/2022/09/08/king-charles-speaks-out-after-queen-elizabeths-death/) [“medical supervision.”](https://pagesix.com/2022/09/08/queen-elizabeth-ii-under-medical-supervision/)
Following Queen Elizabeth II's death and Prince Charles' ascension to King, Prince William and Kate Middleton find themselves with new titles.
As for Charles' wife Camilla, who was previously referred to as the Duchess of Cornwall, she's become the Queen Consort upon her husband's ascension. Specifically, William has since become the Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, two dukedoms Charles acquired when Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952. If (or likely when) William is appointed Prince of Wales, his wife Kate, the current Duchess of Cambridge, will become Princess of Wales, the first since William's late mother, Of course, that likely has some wondering what will happen to [Charles' Prince of Wales title](https://www.eonline.com/news/royals), which he was given in 1958. [the death of Queen Elizabeth II](https://www.eonline.com/news/1307274/queen-elizabeth-ii-dead-at-96) on Sept. And, in turn, Kate will now be known additionally as the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Rothesay.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to inherit the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales as King Charles III officially ascends the throne.
[Investiture at Caernarvon Castle in 1969](https://people.com/royals/prince-charles-reunites-with-the-crown-used-at-his-investiture-ceremony-over-50-years-ago/), [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/) formally crowned Charles as the Prince of Wales. [Prince William](https://people.com/tag/prince-william/)'s late mother, [Princess Diana](https://people.com/tag/princess-diana/), previously held the title of Princess of Wales, after she wed now-King Charles in 1981. Kate also embodies the Queen's unofficial motto for public life: "Never complain, never explain." The titles were bestowed upon them on [their April 2011 wedding day](https://people.com/royals/royal-wedding-coverage-william-kates-special-moments/) by the Queen, William's grandmother. However, the title of Prince of Wales won't immediately pass to William upon his grandmother's death: It must be given to him by the sovereign. King Charles himself received the Prince of Wales title at just 9 years old from his mother. [Camilla](https://people.com/tag/camilla-duchess-of-cornwall/), previously the Duchess of Cornwall, will now [take on the role of Queen Consort](https://people.com/royals/camilla-duchess-cornwall-future-role-queen-consort/). [the Queen, 96, had died](https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-dead-british-monarch-age-96/) at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the official [@KensingtonRoyal Twitter](https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal) and [Instagram accounts](https://www.instagram.com/dukeandduchessofcambridge/?hl=en) were updated as belonging to the "Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge." [Prince George](https://people.com/royals/queens-jubilee/https://people.com/tag/prince-george/) and [Princess Charlotte](https://people.com/tag/princess-charlotte/), in June as part of the Queen's [Platinum Jubilee](https://people.com/royals/queens-jubilee/) weekend. [Prince William](https://people.com/tag/prince-william/) and Kate, both 40, have been known by the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. [ Sign up for our free Royals newsletter](https://x.specialoffers.meredith.com/ats/show.aspx?cr=588&fm=237) to get the latest updates on [Kate Middleton](https://people.com/tag/kate-middleton/), [Meghan Markle](https://people.com/tag/meghan-markle/) and more! [Prince William](https://people.com/tag/prince-william/) and [Kate Middleton](https://people.com/tag/kate-middleton/) are adopting new titles following the news of [Queen Elizabeth](https://people.com/tag/queen-elizabeth/)'s death.