The death of the Queen also meant other changes to the line of succession and titles for other members of the royal family. Prince William, the oldest son of the King, is now the first heir, with his three children behind him by order of age.
Once Charles and Camilla became King and Queen Consort, William and Catherine also automatically assumed the pair’s old duchies, becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
But in his speech on Friday, the King also formally named William and Catherine as the Prince and Princess of Wales, the traditional title for the heir apparent. It is likely a public investiture ceremony, similar to the one the Queen held for her son in 1969, will follow at some point.
Once Charles became King, the two children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, technically were also elevated in status.
Under royal protocols dating back to 1917, the children and grandchildren of the sovereign are entitled to the titles 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 leaving royal life, saying that 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 fulfill the demands of her new role.
