RIP Queen Elizabeth II: Prince William is heir to the throne

Prince William is the heir to the throne after Charles accession to King following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral Castle. 

PRINCE WILLIAM IS THE HEIR TO THE THRONE 

Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away on Thursday 8 September at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her Majesty will be laid to rest at Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel. This is with her parents, her sister and her late husband Prince Phillip’s body will be moved to join her.

40-year-old Prince William is expected to become the Prince of Wales, according to Daily Mail. Subsequently, Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton will become the Princess of Wales, titles previously held by Prince William’s parents – King Charles and the late Princess Diana.

However, King Charles will choose whether Prince William and Kate take on the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales.

Prince William is followed by his three children Prince George (9), Princess Charlotte (7)  and Prince Louis (4) in the order of succession. The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, who is Prince William’s brother is fifth in line to the throne. Followed by his children Archie and Lilibet.

Prince William was awarded the title of Duke fo Cambridge when he married Kate in 2011. However, since the Queen’s death Prince William and Kate have taken on the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall – a title previously held by his father and his father’s wife Camilla. So, Prince William will also inherit the Duchy of Cornwall.

The Duchy of Cornwall is an estate equating to 1500 000 acres and an income estimated at £20 million (R349 million) a year.

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KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CONSORT CAMILLA 

The reign of King Charles officially began when Queen Elizabeth II passed away. BBC reported that he will be known as King Charles III. King Charles’ wife Camilla is the Queen consort. Camilla takes on the title of Queen consort as per the request of Queen Elizabeth II

“And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” read a statement by the Queen on 6 February.

This was a huge change as Camilla was initially meant to be known as Princess Consort.

Charles  is expected to officially be proclaimed as King on Saturday 10 September.  This will take place at St James’s Palace in London, in front of a ceremonial body known as the Accession Council.

ALSO READ: Place of death: What Balmoral castle meant to Queen Elizabeth II