William & Kate - Official Royal Titles Received by Couple Prior to Royal Wedding

Hours prior to Prince William and Kate getting married at the royal wedding, Queen Elizabeth bestowed three official titles on the couple. William will now be known as William, Duke of Cambridge while his royal bride is Kate will be known as Catherine, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge. The royal couple will not be referred to as Prince and Princess until Prince Charles inherits the throne as king. At that point both of them will be the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Three Royal Titles for William and Kate

In addition to their English titles, William and Catherine also received the Scottish title of Earl and Countess of Strathearn. This is thought by the Telegraph to be associated with the fact they met each other at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

The royal couple's third title is of Irish heritage -- the Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus.

What Will They Be Referred to As in the Media and in Royal Engagements?

It's early to know exactly how the royal pair will be addressed. William and Kate may be referred to as Prince and Princess, but it's likely they will be William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince William may always be referred to first and foremost as Prince since that's what he's always been. His father, Prince Charles is the Prince of Wales and William has been known as Prince William of Wales until he married Kate Middleton.

Kate Enters Royal Wedding as "Commoner" and Emerges as a Duchess, Countess, and Baroness

Royal enthusiasts expected Kate to receive the title of Princess or Duchess, but instead she was bestowed three titles -- as was William. She went in a "commoner" at the royal wedding and emerged a Duchess, Countess, and Baroness. Depending on where she visits certain regions in Europe, her other titles as Countess and Baroness may be used in the media. Naturally those in Scotland may want to call her Countess and in Ireland refer to her as Baroness.

Honeymoon for the Royals?

Once the royal wedding concluded, it was believed that William and Catherine would go on a honeymoon, but they have decided to postpone it so William could continue his Air Force duties. For the weekend, the two managed a private get-away. That leaves more time for the media to continue speculations on the whereabouts of where they will go to next.

Source: Telegraph