This is a list of living British royal family members who, through royal descent or marriage, currently hold the rank of Prince or Princess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There are 18 living princes and princesses by birthright, and a further 6 women who are princesses by marriage.
By birthright
editBy marriage
editWomen become princesses by marriage, but can only use that title if their husband is the Prince of Wales (e.g. Catherine, Princess of Wales) or if they take their husband's full name (last done by Princess Michael of Kent in 1978).[2] Most women use a lower peerage derived from their husband, such as Duchess or Countess, in order to retain their birth name (e.g. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex).[3] Men cannot become princes by marriage.[4]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Although James is a British prince, his parents did not give him the prince title in order for him to avoid some of the burdens of royal titles.[1]
- ^ Although Louise is a British princess, her parents did not give her the princess title in order for her to avoid some of the burdens of royal titles.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Royal Family tree and line of succession". BBC. September 4, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ^ "Who Is Princess Michael of Kent". Town & Country. February 24, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ "How royal titles are given". The Week. September 16, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ "Why Is Prince Philip Not 'King Philip'? The Real Reason". Reader's Digest. March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2021.