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Why is the Duchess of Cambridge listed as a princess on Prince Louis' birth certificate?

Birth certificate
The Duchess of Cambridge added ‘princess’ to her job occupation [Photo: Getty]

A week after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their third child – Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge – his birth certificate was made public knowledge.

But eagle-eyed royal fans spotted one tiny detail which has left us baffled.

On the official document, the Duchess of Cambridge‘s full name is written as ‘Catherine Elizabeth Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge’.

However, on the birth certificate her occupation is listed as ‘Princess of the United Kingdom’.

Birth certificate
Prince Louis of Cambridge’s birth certificate was released a week after he was born [Photo: PA]

As a consequence to the fact that only the Queen‘s children or the children and grandchildren of the monarch’s sons can be given a royal title, the media is often pulled for dubbing the 36-year-old ‘Princess Kate’.

Unlike Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge did not take on the title of princess.

However, according to royal commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams, there’s a simple explanation.

He told Yahoo Style UK: “When Prince William married Catherine Middleton they were granted the title of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

“William is HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and so Kate, as his wife, is HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. If you marry a prince you become a princess. Louis’ birth certificate would naturally reflect this.”

Interestingly, the title of ‘duchess’ is actually higher in social ranking in comparison to ‘princess’.

Click below to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s best family photos:

Although she is not officially referred to as a princess, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot she took on the title of Princess William of Wales.

What will the Duchess of Cambridge’s name became when Prince William becomes King?

Following the death of his father, Prince Charles, William will become King and Kate will be given a new title too.

The Duchess will most likely be Queen Consort – as Queen Elizabeth II was known when her husband, King George VI became the monarch.

What title will Meghan Markle gain when she marries Prince Harry?

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed on May 19, the couple are set to take on the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding: The date, details and all the latest news

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