Everything that will change when Prince William becomes king
When Prince William is eventually crowned King of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, a lot will change for both him and the rest of the Cambridge clan. It isn't as simple as a small title change; the Prince will have greater responsibilities to uphold, a new house to live in (Buckingham Palace, no less) and a lot more involvement in government – to name but a few.
While Prince William's coronation is unlikely to happen soon - Prince Charles will be king first following the Queen's sad death - what will the major changes be when the time does come, and The Duke of Cambridge eventually takes his place on the throne?
There will be some title changes
If we've learnt anything from watching The Crown, it's that the incoming monarch is expected to choose a new name following the death of a previous King or Queen. While the Queen bucked the trend and opted to keep her name 'Elizabeth', many before her chose a different title, including her father who was born Albert but chose to be crowned King George VI.
Prince William has evaded the question on what his new name will be during interviews, but it's unlikely he'll keep William. His name is currently rather wordy (William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus) so perhaps he will opt for something a little less complicated?
Although it's also yet to be confirmed yet, it's likely that Kate Middleton will be known as Queen Catherine (but as she married into the family - and therefore does not posses any royal blood - she will technically be Queen Consort). Another quirky addition to Kate's life after Prince William is crowned is that she will be given ownership over all the tails of every sturgeon, dolphin and whale that swims in British-owned waters. Handy!
William and Kate's three children will also have their titles changed. Prince George, who is third in line to the throne, will presumably take over Charles's Prince of Wales title (after Prince William has his turn with it, of course). In addition to that, George will also become the Duke of Cornwall – a title given to any male heir to the British throne.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, on the other hand, could actually lose their royal titles when Prince William becomes king. Royal expert Marlene Koenig, who spoke to The Express, explained, "On the first day that [their grandfather] Charles is king, the children will be 'Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge'. Once their dad is Prince of Wales, they become George of Wales, Charlotte of Wales, and Louis of Wales."
However, she added, when William succeeds the throne, George will become Duke of Cornwall (and ultimately the Prince of Wales), "But Charlotte and Louis will be of nothing," says Koenig. They may well be gifted alternative titles when the time comes, though – there's already speculation from royal experts that Princess Charlotte could be known as The Princess Royal (the title currently used by Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter).
The Cambridges could move into Buckingham Palace
Ever since Queen Victoria became Queen in 1837, British monarchs have lived at Buckingham Palace. While the Cambridges currently count two spots as home: their 'apartment' (read: mansion) in Kensington Palace and Norfolk's Anmer Hall, it's expected that they will move to Buckingham Palace following Prince William’s coronation. Some reports however suggest that as Prince Charles has indicated he wishes to remain at his current residence, Clarence House, when he is crowned, the Cambridges could move in sooner than expected...
Prince William will be more involved in government
The Queen doesn't have political power but she does open the Parliament sessions in the House of Lords. She also approves Orders and Proclamations, which are decisions of the Privy Council which have the force of law (basically, if she really wasn't happy about a proposed law, she could potentially speak against it). When Prince William is crowned, he will take over the Queen’s current duties – and like his grandmother, he won’t be able to create new laws without the help of parliament.
How much money will Prince William and Kate Middleton inherit?
Prince William is already worth millions (£29 million in fact, according to Harper's Bazaar) after he inherited money from his mother, Princess Diana, and from his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. As well as his earnings from being a helicopter pilot in the RAF, he will also be paid money from the Duchy of Cornwall - a casual 53,000 hectares of property that extends into 23 different counties - when Charles takes the throne. Prince William also benefits from the Sovereign Grant, which goes towards the royal family's hefty expense account.
When Prince William becomes king, his wealth is expected to grow again, as he will likely inherit money from his father, Prince Charles.
Kate Middleton will have access to the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels currently belong to the Queen, so when Prince William becomes King he will inherit a plethora of beautiful jewels. While Kate is certainly allowed to borrow some stunning jewellery at present, when she becomes Queen Catherine she will have access to the entire collection. No doubt we'll see Kate sporting a few of these special pieces - including tiaras, crowns, rubies and emeralds - at royal engagements.
Prince William will no longer have to bow
Prince William currently has to bow whenever he sees his grandmother, the Queen, yet when he becomes King he won’t have to bow to anyone. Instead, everyone will have to bow to William, apart from Kate, who as Queen Consort will side-step this etiquette.
Prince William will be woken up by the bagpipes
It’s tradition for the monarch to be jolted awake by the sound of bagpipes each morning. The Queen’s current piper, Major David Rodgers, is tasked with stirring her Majesty each morning and playing on demand whenever the Queen fancies a tune. Rather you than I, Will!
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