Kate Middleton's children will be official prince and princesses

Kate Middleton leaving hospital

(Image credit: REX)

published 10 January 2013

The Queen has issued a formal decree to grant the title of prince or princess to all of Kate and William's children

All of Prince William and Kate Middleton's children will be given the official title of prince or princess following a formal ruling by the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth has decided that all of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children be called Royal Highness 'with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names.'

Up until now, if Kate had given birth to a little girl later this year, she would have been called Lady rather than Princess.

DUKE AND DUCHESS GIVEN COUNTRY HOME BY THE QUEEN

A formal announcement in the London Gazette read: 'The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm dated 31 December 2012 to declare that all the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of Royal Highness with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honour.'

Meanwhile, the Government is in the process of changing the laws so that Kate and William's first child, no matter what sex, will become monarch, removing the ancient rule which gave precedence to boys.