The New Royal Baby Already Has a Very Fancy Title
Prince William and Kate Middleton just welcomed a baby boy, and while they haven't released his name yet, the littlest royal has already inherited an official title.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son will go by "His Royal Highness Prince [Name] of Cambridge." The prince automatically becomes an HRH because his dad is a male-line grandchild of the sovereign. Children of the monarch's daughters, like Princess Anne's kids Zara and Peter Phillips, don't receive that distinction.
A letters patent (a type of legal document) issued by Queen Elizabeth in 2012 also stated that all of Prince William's children would become prince or princesses, while the previous rule only gave sons that distinction. That's why Charlotte's title, "Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge," matches her older brother's, "His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge."
Technically the baby also has another, more formal title: "His Royal Highness Prince [Name] of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." He won't use this one however. Noting that he's "of Cambridge" reflects his dad's role as a royal duke - an important distinction that shows Prince William's a "peer of the realm" and not a commoner.
The Cambridge part also comes in handy when this little one heads off to school. Both of his siblings use "Cambridge" as their last name when they attend class, just like the "William Wales" moniker their dad used as a kid.
Now the only part that remains is the name. Current favorites include James, Albert, and Arthur. Royal babies often receive multiple middle names as well, but no official surname. We'll just have to wait to find out which ones Kate and Will pick!
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