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The Cambridge children are set to have their surname changed

Photo credit: ©Karwai Tang - Getty Images
Photo credit: ©Karwai Tang - Getty Images

Not only will the Cambridge children – eight-year-old Prince George, seven-year-old Princess Charlotte and four-year-old Prince Louis – have to contend with being in the public eye for the rest of their lives, but they'll also have to wrap their heads around having their surname changed in the near future.

Yep, despite being known as the Cambridges since they were welcomed into the world by their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton (aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), the trio will one day take on the surname of Wales. But why?

To answer that question, we first need to take a look at why Prince William took on the the Cambridge title – which he only adopted in recent years. In fact, growing up both Prince William and Prince Harry (who is now the Duke of Sussex) went by the surname Wales, which they inherited from their father Prince Charles whose royal title is the Prince of Wales. At school the pair were known as the Wales brothers, and during their time in the army William was known as Lieutenant Wales with Harry taking the rank of Captain Wales.

Photo credit: ©Karwai Tang - Getty Images
Photo credit: ©Karwai Tang - Getty Images

When Prince William went on to marry Kate Middleton, the Queen gave him the title of the Duke of Cambridge – as such, their three children adopted the surname Cambridge.

But, when Prince Charles ascends to the throne and becomes King, Prince William will inherit his Prince of Wales title, and therefore his family's surname will become Wales. When this happens, it's likely that Kate Middleton will take on the Princess of Wales title, which will no doubt be bittersweet for her husband, given that the title has not been held since his mother, the late Princess Diana.

As the first wife of Prince Charles, Diana took on the title of Princess of Wales and the moniker became synonymous with her. Following her tragic death in 1997, Charles' second wife Camilla Parker Bowles opted not to inherit the title, out of respect for Princess Diana.

Photo credit: Tim Graham - Getty Images
Photo credit: Tim Graham - Getty Images

And Kate's not the only person who could soon inherit a rare title, as it's possible that Princess Charlotte will eventually become the Princess Royal – a title that has only ever been held by seven royals throughout history.

The more you know, eh!?

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