In a moving tribute to their beloved great-grandmother, Gangan, the young royals showed remarkable bravery and dignity at her state funeral on Monday.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, unveiled their new surname for the first time during the Queen’s funeral service.
Instead of Cambridge, their surname will now be Wales, following the title bestowed upon their parents.
This change was seen publicly for the first time in the Order of Service.
It is worth noting that both their father, William, and their uncle, Prince Harry, carried the surname Wales during their upbringing.
Additionally, Prince Louis, who did not attend the state funeral, will also adopt the surname Wales.
Royal expert Angela Mollard pointed out that this must have been a significant adjustment for Catherine, who not only assumed a new role herself but also had to teach her young children, aged nine, seven, and four, that their surnames had changed.
No longer George, Charlotte, and Louis Cambridge, they are now George, Charlotte, and Louis Wales.
This change in surname comes after King Charles III appointed Kate and William as the Prince and Princess of Wales, marking his first address to the nation as monarch.
Kate became the first royal to hold the title of Princess of Wales since Princess Diana.
In his announcement, King Charles stated, “As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me.
He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades.
Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, to Wessog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.”
The King expressed confidence that alongside Catherine, the new Prince and Princess of Wales would continue to inspire and lead national conversations, focusing on critical issues.
During the solemn day of bidding farewell to Gangan, Prince George and Princess Charlotte captivated the nation with their poise and grace.
As the youngest members of the royal family, they played a significant role in the funeral proceedings, following the Queen’s coffin through Westminster Abbey.
Later in the day, they attended the committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
At Westminster Abbey, nine-year-old George and seven-year-old Princess Charlotte walked behind the Queen’s coffin in a solemn procession witnessed by hundreds of guests in the Gothic Church and a vast international TV audience.
Their presence was a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the monarchy.
Meanwhile, tensions have arisen concerning the titles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children.
Despite being appointed Prince and Princess by King Charles III, Archie, aged three, and Lilibet, aged one, will not be granted HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) status, according to a source.
Although Charles has agreed to issue a letters patent to grant them the titles, the Sussexes are reportedly furious that their children will not also receive HRH status.
The couple has pointed out that Prince Andrew’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, have HRH status despite not being working royals.
However, the agreement stands that Archie and Lilibet can be Prince and Princess but not HRH, as they are not actively involved in royal duties.
In conclusion, the young royals’ display of devotion at the Queen’s funeral was truly remarkable.
Their acceptance of the new surname Wales reflects the evolving dynamics within the royal family.
As they continue to grow and navigate their roles, their presence will undoubtedly shape the future of the monarchy.
Meanwhile, the debate surrounding the HRH status of Prince Harry and Meghan’s children highlights the complexities of royal titles and the ongoing discussions within the family.
