Why Princess Diana Was a Princess and Not a Duchess

The confusion surrounding the titles of royal women, particularly Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, often arises from a misunderstanding of the British peerage system and the specific traditions surrounding the British monarchy. Understanding the role and significance of these titles can help clarify why Diana was a princess, while her successor has a different title.

The Significance of a Princess of Wales

In the British monarchy, the title of Princess of Wales is specifically reserved for the wife of the heir to the British throne. This title is steeped in tradition and prestige, making it a highly esteemed honor. Diana, Princess of Wales, was married to Prince Charles, who is the heir to the British throne, and thus gained this title.

The Role of the Duchess

A duchess is typically the wife of a duke or a woman who holds the rank of duchess in her own right, as in the case of Meghan Markle, who became the Duchess of Sussex. While duchesses are also members of the nobility, their title is generally derived from their birth or a lifetime marriage to a male head of the nobility. In this context, Meghan's title as the Duchess of Sussex is a reflection of her marriage to Prince Harry.

Seniority in Titles and Marriage

Within the British peerage system, the seniority and choice of title are influenced by the status of the spouse. For royal wives, their least significant title while married is 'Princess' or 'Duchess,' a fact that often leads to misunderstandings. The titles of these women follow the hierarchy based on their marriages, with their roles defined by the tradition of noble succession.

The Example of Meghan Markle

Following her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, a title that reflects her relationship to a male member of the nobility. While there was some public outcry over erroneous styling of Meghan as a "Princess,” such an error contradicts the established protocol and traditions of the British monarchy. The confusion stems from a misapplication of the title 'Princess' when a more accurate title like 'Duchess' would be appropriate in terms of precedence and tradition.

A Comparison with Princess Diana

During her marriage to Prince Charles, Princess Diana held the title of Princess of Wales. This title was given to her due to her status as the wife of the heir to the British throne. Even after her divorce, she retained her previous title, becoming Diana, Princess of Wales. This underscores the traditional preference given to marriage-derived titles over other forms of address.

It is also important to note that while Diana was commonly referred to as Princess Diana, this informal name is not a formal title and should not be used to confuse her with other lesser titles. Similarly, Princess Catherine refers to Catherine (who later became Queen), as her title of Princess of Wales is her official title.

Conclusion

The title 'Princess of Wales' is a unique and significant honor in the British peerage system, reserved for the wife of the heir to the throne. Diana held this title due to her marriage and the tradition of the monarchy. The title of 'Duchess' or other noble titles are derived from other circumstances, be it birthright or marriage to a duke. Thus, the confusion often arises from a lack of understanding of these nuances, leading to categorizations and titles being incorrectly applied to members of the royal family.

Understanding the peerage system helps in recognizing the appropriate use of titles in the context of the British monarchy, which holds deeply ingrained traditions and hierarchies, making the roles and titles of its members both prestigious and complex.