What's in a Title?
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BEST OF BRITAIN WHAT’S IN A TITLE? A QUICK GUIDE TO THE ROYALS Queen Elizabeth II is our longest reign - Charles I was executed by the people in Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. ing monarch and at 91-years-old, is also 1649, leading to 11 years of Britain as a There are many official titles in the the world’s oldest living monarch. She republic, and Charles II ’s extravagant royal family, and it is tradition that Royal was not destined to be queen. In fact, lifestyle meant that he was not always Dukedoms are the highest-ranking hon - she was already 10-years-old when her well behaved! our. Only the eldest son of the sover - uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated after a Who can be a King, Queen or Princess? eign is entitled to the Dukedoms of short reign because of his love for di - Cornwall and Rothesay; these are held vorcee and US citizen Wallis Simpson, Camilla, Prince Charles’ wife, has the by Prince Charles who is addressed as resulting in Elizabeth’s father becoming title the Duchess of Cornwall and as the the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland. King George VI. wife of the Prince of Wales, could also The second son of the monarch is usu - The Queen’s two birthdays be called Princess of Wales. She decided ally given the title Duke of York, in the not to take this title because it was current case this is Prince Andrew. The As a British monarch, Queen Elizabeth clearly connected with Charles’ first Queen’s third son is officially known as is also lucky enough to enjoy two birth - wife, Diana. Diana is often mistakenly the Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie, days. Her actual birthday is 21st April, called ‘Princess Diana’, when in fact her as the Countess, which is a reinvented but for more than 200 years the actual title was Diana, Princess of Wales. historic title given to him by the Queen. monarch’s official birthday has been cel - It is likely Camilla will become Queen, Princess Anne, who is known as the ebrated in June with the ceremony when Charles becomes King. Princess Royal, has two children without ‘Trooping the Colour’. On this day, you Given this, why is the Queen’s hus - titles because they can’t be inherited will see almost 1,500 soldiers, 200 horses band not a king? Well, the husband of a through the female line. Prince William and 400 musicians marching along The queen is known as the Prince Consort has the title Duke of Cambridge; his Mall to Horseguards Parade, a Royal Air and does not become King. Examples of wife Catherine is officially the Duchess Force fly-past and a 41-gun salute in this are Prince Philip, who is also known of Cambridge, and is not a Princess. Green Park. as the Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen I am often asked lots of questions Prince Charles, names and succession about the British Royal family and the Our Queen has seen some of the most significant one most often asked about the Queen is what does she actually carry in her Prince Charles is now the longest-wait - events of the last 100 years and her statistics are handbag? Rumour has it a comb, a ing heir to the British throne at 68 years impressive! handkerchief, a small gold compact and old. As the heir and eldest son of the 65 years reign a lipstick! monarch, he is known as the Prince of 13 Prime Ministers Wales and also the Duke of Cornwall, 13 US Presidents Victoria Rennoldson , Founder of Perfect but will not necessarily be called King Cuppa English , gives talks and writes about 7 Popes British life and culture, and leads orientation Charles III when he ascends the throne. More than 30 Corgi dogs and discovery walks locally in North In fact, monarchs sometimes take a dif - Previous longest-reigning British London. Perfect Cuppa English helps to settle ferent name and apparently Prince monarch: Queen Victoria expats into life in London through bespoke Charles might choose to become King British monarch with the shortest English language and British culture courses George VII, as kings named Charles for individuals. reign: Lady Jane Grey (9 days) [email protected] have not always been popular. King www.perfectcuppaenglish.co.uk www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 11.