British princess: title, styles, and forms of royal status

Who may be styled a Princess

• Legitimate daughters of a reigning British monarch are styled as princesses by birth.
• Legitimate granddaughters in the male line of a sovereign are also entitled to the title.
• The wife of a prince normally receives the feminine form of her husband's rank and is styled as a princess by marriage.

These criteria are based on long-standing royal practice and on specific rulings and letters patent issued by the sovereign. For more formal definitions see the term Princess of the United Kingdom and the rules that apply to peerage and royal styles. When referring to male members, the word prince is used; other web references sometimes use prince in explanatory articles about how titles are created and used.

Style and naming conventions

Princesses by birth generally use "Princess" followed by their given name (for example, Princess Anne). A woman who marries a prince usually takes a feminine version of his principal title: in practice, wives are often known by a territorial title (for example, Princess of Wales) or by the fashion of "Princess Husband's Christian name" in some historical cases (for example, Princess Michael of Kent is styled using her husband's name). The style "Her Royal Highness" is commonly attached to legitimate princesses, though the specific entitlement can be altered by royal directive.

Divorce and changes of style

Royal styles have occasionally been adjusted following divorce. In 1996 the sovereign issued letters patent that affected the entitlement of divorced wives of princes to continue using the style "Royal Highness". In practice, this change applied to famous cases such as Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah, Duchess of York, who, after their divorces, no longer used the HRH style. The implications of such measures depend on the precise wording of any letters patent and on subsequent royal decisions.

Historical and social context

The role of a British princess has changed over time. Historically, princesses were important in diplomatic marriage alliances and dynastic continuity. In modern constitutional monarchy the title combines ceremonial duties, public engagements, and charitable work. Some princesses undertake official royal duties on behalf of the sovereign, while others pursue personal careers or patronages.

Distinctions and notable points

1. Birth versus marriage: a princess by birth retains the title independently of marriage; a princess by marriage receives the style through her husband.
2. Territorial titles: many royal titles include a place name (for example, Princess of Wales) and these may change when the holder's spouse acquires a new title.
3. Modern adjustments: letters patent and royal prerogative can create, limit or alter who is styled a princess and whether the style "Royal Highness" is used.

For general information about royal titles and their usage consult official royal communications and reference works on British constitutional and ceremonial practice. Additional explanatory resources are available online via official pages and detailed commentaries on royal protocol (see notes on divorce and styles).