Understanding the Status of British Royal Family Members: Who is Still a Prince?

Have you ever wondered about the status of the British royal family members who carry titles like 'Prince'? Many people mistakenly believe that a royal who leaves the royal duties or changes their public persona no longer holds their title. However, the truth is somewhat different. Let's explore the current status of the royal family members who are still known as 'Prince' or have princiely titles.

The Distinguishing Factors: Royal Titles and Status

In the British royal family, the title 'Prince' or 'Duke' is often a matter of birthright and not just a formal designation based on current royal duties. Even when royals like Prince Harry rethink their public titles, it simply reflects a change in their approach to publicity rather than a loss of their legal or formal status.

Principles of Royal Titles

Whether a royal retains their title or not primarily depends on their familial relation to the monarch. For example, Prince Harry, despite his preference for being known simply as 'Harry,' still retains his princely title because it is a birthright. Similarly, other royals such as Prince William and Prince Edward carry their titles regardless of their current roles within the royal family.

Vertical Titles: A Matter of Bloodline

Royals who are descendants of a monarch through male line maintain their princely titles. This is the case with several living royals, including:

Descendants of Queen Victoria

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester Prince Edward, Duke of Kent Prince Michael of Kent

These individuals hold their titles as they are part of the male line descent from Queen Victoria, a line that is specifically recognized under the British royal succession rules.

Horizontal Titles: Sons of the Current Monarch

The current monarch’s sons are also entitled to princely titles:

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (The Prince of Wales) Prince Andrew, Duke of York Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

These titles are passed on to their descendants, although the children of Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Edward (like Peter Phillips and his sister) were deemed not to use royal titles as part of a family decision.

Horizontal Titles: Grandsons of the Current Monarch

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Conclusion: A Permanent Title

Understanding the titles and roles of the British royal family members is crucial. While individuals like Prince Harry may prefer to shed parts of their royal status, such as their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) title, their core title as 'Prince' remains intact due to their lineage and birthright.

So, when you hear someone referred to as a 'Prince' in the context of the British royal family, remember that it is a title deeply rooted in their family history and, for many, a matter of bloodline and tradition.