The Queen’s death also meant other changes to the line of succession and titles for other members of the royal family. Prince William, the king’s eldest son, is now the first heir, with his three children behind him in order of age.
Once Charles and Camilla became king and queen consort, William and Catherine also automatically assumed the couple’s former dukedoms, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
But in his speech on Friday, the King also officially named William and Catherine as Prince and Princess of Wales, the traditional title of heir apparent. It is probably a public investiture ceremony, similar to the one the queen held for her son in 1969will follow at some point.
Once Charles became king, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s two children, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were technically elevated in status as well.
Under royal protocols dating back to 1917, the sovereign’s children and grandchildren are entitled to the titles of 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 leave royal lifesaying he wanted to express his love “as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
He also thanked his wife, Camilla, saying he could count on her both personally and as Sovereign to meet the demands of her new role.