Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, has held the title of Princess Royal since 1987. As the current bearer of this historic style, Princess Anne has embodied royal duty, public service, and continuity in the modern British monarchy.
Questions often arise about whether Princess Charlotte, the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, might one day hold the same title. While there is no confirmed plan or announcement about passing this title imminently, tradition and royal protocol suggest it could be a possibility in the future.
This article explores the history and meaning of the title Princess Royal, Princess Anne’s role, and how Princess Charlotte might one day inherit this prestigious designation—based on established royal practice and official sources.
Sources for Verification:
- Royal.uk – The Princess Royal
- BBC News – Princess Anne’s Workload
- The Royal Family’s Titles Guide – UK Government
- Westminster Abbey – Coronation Roles and Titles
- Encyclopædia Britannica – Princess Royal
What Is the Title of Princess Royal?
Princess Royal is a special, honorary style historically granted by the reigning monarch to their eldest daughter. Unlike titles such as Duke or Earl, it is not automatic upon birth.
Instead, it is awarded at the monarch’s discretion—and only one person can hold it at a time. That means even if there are multiple daughters or granddaughters in line, the title cannot be shared or used by more than one living person simultaneously.
Historical Origin
The style was first introduced in 1642 by King Charles I, who granted it to his daughter, Princess Mary. Inspired by the French “Madame Royale,” it was intended to give the English king’s eldest daughter a distinctive and prestigious status.
Since then, there have been only seven Princesses Royal in British history, underscoring how rarely it is granted.
Source: Royal.uk – The Princess Royal
Princess Anne: The Current Princess Royal
Princess Anne received the title Princess Royal in 1987 from her mother, Queen Elizabeth II. It was a recognition of Anne’s lifelong dedication to public service and her exceptional record of royal engagements.
According to BBC News, Anne has consistently ranked among the hardest-working royals—frequently logging the highest number of annual engagements.
Her work spans hundreds of charities, military organizations, and civic bodies, including:
- Patron of Save the Children UK since 1970.
- President of the British Olympic Association.
- Involvement with rural and equestrian groups, given her success as an Olympic equestrian.
Princess Anne’s reputation is one of unwavering duty, no-nonsense practicality, and loyalty to the Crown, making her tenure as Princess Royal especially respected.
Source: Royal.uk
Is the Title of Princess Royal Hereditary?
Unlike titles such as Duke of Cornwall (automatically held by the monarch’s eldest son), Princess Royal is not hereditary.
- It is awarded only by the sovereign’s decision.
- It traditionally goes to the monarch’s eldest daughter if the title is vacant.
- Only one person may hold the title at a time.
This means even when the current Princess Royal dies, the title doesn’t automatically pass to the next eldest daughter in line. Instead, it becomes vacant, and the reigning monarch may choose whether or not to bestow it.
Example:
- Queen Elizabeth II was the eldest daughter of King George VI but was never Princess Royal. This is because her aunt, Princess Mary, held the title until her death in 1965, and Elizabeth was already queen by then.
Source: Encyclopædia Britannica
What About Princess Charlotte?
Princess Charlotte of Wales is the only daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. She is currently third in line to the throne, after her father and older brother, Prince George.
Could she one day become Princess Royal?
- Possibility: Yes, it is possible—but only after Princess Anne’s passing (since only one can hold the title at a time).
- Decision: It would be up to the reigning monarch (her father, William, if he becomes king).
No official announcement or plan has been made regarding bestowing the title on Charlotte. Any reports suggesting that Princess Anne has “passed” it to her now are speculative and unsupported by palace sources.
Source: Royal.uk – Titles and Honours
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/kate-middleton-9-9d187d297cb34208a8fa72cbf5f04254.jpg)
How Might Princess Charlotte Receive the Title in the Future?
If King William V eventually wished to honor his daughter Charlotte in this way, he could bestow the title once it is vacant. The process would look like this:
- Vacancy: The title becomes vacant upon the death of the current Princess Royal.
- Monarch’s Decision: The reigning king or queen formally grants the title to his or her eldest daughter.
- Public Announcement: The palace would announce it officially, similar to when Queen Elizabeth II granted the title to Anne in 1987.
There is no automatic inheritance. Even as the king’s daughter, Charlotte would not hold the style unless it were formally granted.
Source: UK Government – Royal Titles Guide
Why Does the Title Matter?
Princess Royal is a symbolic role reflecting seniority, responsibility, and honor for the monarch’s eldest daughter. While it does not confer constitutional power or succession rights, it is a mark of esteem that carries weight in ceremonial settings and public engagements.
Holding the title often means:
- Representing the sovereign at official events.
- Patronage of key charities.
- Undertaking royal tours.
Princess Anne’s example shows how it can be used to strengthen the monarchy’s connection with the public through consistent, devoted service.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(599x189:601x191)/princess-anne-queen-elizabeth-funeral-092122-0f1e9d0b6cc548fe98013a2b5af4e6d3.jpg)
Princess Anne’s Legacy
Princess Anne has set a high standard for the title’s meaning in modern Britain.
- She is praised for her tireless schedule, famously once telling interviewers she “tried to keep busy” to honor the trust placed in her.
- Her low-profile approach contrasts with royal glamour but aligns with a monarchy that values service and duty.
As the monarchy continues to modernize, Anne’s model of quiet, effective service is widely seen as a blueprint for future generations—including Princess Charlotte.
Sources:
- BBC News – Princess Anne Profile
- Royal.uk
Conclusion: No Immediate Change, but Future Potential
In short, Princess Anne remains the Princess Royal, with no official indication she is preparing to “pass” the title now. Reports suggesting an imminent handover are unverified.
However, Princess Charlotte remains a strong candidate for the title in the future, once it becomes available, and should the reigning monarch choose to grant it.
This possibility reflects both the monarchy’s respect for tradition and its ability to adapt. It also highlights the role that royal titles continue to play in shaping the public face of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.
As the next generation grows, titles like Princess Royal will help define their responsibilities, their service to the Crown, and their connection with the British people.
For now, Princess Anne continues her remarkable tenure, ensuring the title retains its honor, history, and meaning for those who may one day follow in her footsteps.