Charles now king

Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Sept. 8, 2022, marks the beginning of a new era for the House of Windsor.

As Prince Charles ascends the throne and becomes the king of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, other royal family members have received new titles as well.

Among those going by new official titles include Prince William, Kate Middleton and Charles’ wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie and Lilibet, also could be looking at new royal ranks.

Take a look at how the line of succession is changing following the Queen’s passing.

Prince Charles

Charles is now king.

Since Charles’ full name is Charles Philip Arthur George, he could have opted to use any of those four names as his regal name, but he stuck with King Charles III.

Queen Victoria’s given name was Alexandrina Victoria, and King George VI was named Albert Frederick Arthur George. When Elizabeth ascended the throne, she was reportedly asked what her regal name would be, to which she replied: “My own, of course,” and so she became Queen Elizabeth II.

Some royal watchers speculated that Charles would choose to drop his first name as there are negative connotations surrounding it. King Charles I was a deeply unpopular ruler, and his reign was fraught with controversy and several civil wars. His reign ended when he was beheaded in 1649.

Charles II, however, fared better and was known as the “Merry Monarch” because of his debauched parties. He acknowledged at least 12 illegitimate children by various mistresses but left no legitimate children to succeed him.

George VII is said to be a contender in honor of his grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, George V.