Experts reveal that Kate Middleton almost declined the Princess of Wales title following Camilla's rejection.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is married to Prince William, the eldest son of Diana and the heir to the throne.
Kate Middleton was reportedly hesitant to assume Princess Diana's esteemed title following Queen Camilla's reluctance to claim it.
The Duchess of Cornwall, formerly Camilla Parker Bowles, was reportedly set to become Princess of Wales after marrying King Charles in 2005. However, she chose to be known by a different title.
In May 2023, Camilla, 77, was crowned alongside Charles, 75, who ascended to the throne upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II, 95, in 2022.
"According to Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," it's understandable why Camilla avoided being known as Princess of Wales due to her strained relationship with Princess Diana. Diana referred to Camilla as "the Rottweiler," and Camilla called Diana "Barbie.""
"Camilla, famously known for breaking up the marriage of Charles and Diana, was a fierce archrival of the two women. Millions of people resented her, and it would not have been in her best interest to further antagonize the situation by insisting on calling herself Princess of Wales."
"Andersen stated that Camilla and Kate differ significantly in their views on Diana, with no one else being as closely associated with the Princess of Wales title as Diana, even in death."
"It's understandable why Camilla shied away from being known as Princess of Wales. She was Princess Diana's hated archnemesis." — Christopher Andersen, author of "The King"
Jobson's biography, "Catherine, Princess of Wales," was published by the U.K.'s DailyMail, and shortly after, Andersen made statements regarding the book's contents. In the book, Jobson claimed that Kate had considered "refusing" the title synonymous with her late mother-in-law when the time came, following in Camilla's footsteps.
In 2011, Kate, 42, married Diana's eldest son, who is the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne at the age of 42.
"Kate was aware that she would inevitably be compared to Diana, whose untimely death had caused a wave of anger and grief, as Jobson wrote."
"Kate found all such talk stressful," he wrote. "Indeed, it got to the point where she felt she might follow Camilla (who opted to become Duchess of Cornwall) in refusing — when the time came — to be known as HRH Princess of Wales."
In September 2022, when Charles ascended to the throne, Kate graciously accepted her promotion, showing respect for her husband and the new king.
Catherine had been on the world stage long enough to be appreciated for her own qualities, and enough time had passed to make the title more palatable, Jobson wrote.
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After marrying Charles in 1981, Lady Diana Spencer became the Princess of Wales. However, she was known as Diana, Princess of Wales, following their divorce in 1996.
Since approximately 1300, the Prince of Wales has been the traditional title for the male heir apparent to the throne. People magazine reported that Charles was the longest-serving Prince of Wales before becoming king. The outlet stated that when Charles married Camilla, she chose to be known as the Duchess of Cornwall instead of the Princess of Wales as a sign of respect for Diana.
""Upon marrying Charles, Camilla became Princess of Wales; upon Queen Elizabeth's death and Charles' ascension to the throne, Camilla became Queen; and upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, Kate became Princess of Wales, regardless of her desire for a different title," stated Andersen."
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that Kate was not initially enthusiastic about being the Princess of Wales because she felt overshadowed.
"Princess Catherine recognized Princess Diana's legacy and iconic stats. She didn't want to be perceived as jumping in her shoes. She could also see how the public was transferring Princess Diana's qualities into her as it appeased their grief."
"Chard stated that Kate did not desire the unwanted attention and comparisons between Princess Diana and herself. However, she accepted her new title in 2022, as she had been in the spotlight for years and was valued for her unique qualities. Unlike Princess Diana, Kate has established a successful career and is recognized as a star in her own right."
"Our royal family's future lies with Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales," Chard stated.
"Royal expert Hilary Fordwich stated that any concerns about Kate being in Diana's shadow have faded away. Kate embodies the English Rose and has been accepted by the entire British nation and commonwealth. Her dignity, grace, elegance, and most importantly, her love for family, have made her a national treasure."
Kate has always been in awe of Diana's memory power, and Andersen never pretended to fill Diana's shoes.
"Andersen stated that Kate is comfortable in her role as a member of the royal family. He believes that she has never shied away from her responsibilities, despite the challenges she faced in marrying the future king. Kate's determination to marry the man she loved, despite the obstacles, demonstrates her commitment to her role as a member of the royal family. As the wife of the Prince of Wales and the mother of the future king, it would have been disrespectful for her not to embrace her title."
WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON LEARN FROM PRINCESS DIANA'S MARRIAGE
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that Kate has established herself as a successful Princess of Wales without being overshadowed by Diana.
""Diana's charitable achievements are still honored in the country, although they are rarely compared to those of others. Time has passed and things have changed," said Fitzwilliams."
In 2010, William proposed to Kate using Diana's 18-carat sapphire engagement ring. During their engagement interview, William stressed that there was no expectation for Kate to become "the next Diana."
""Kate will do a very good job at carving her own future and destiny, as no one is trying to fill my mother’s shoes," said William."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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