Who knows what the future holds?

Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing for their futures as king and queen consort, but her parents Carole and Michael could receive an honour when that day eventually happens in terms of titles.

While the Princess of Wales‘ parents have rubbed shoulders with the royal family for years, they don’t hold any titles – but William could step in to make that change for Carole and Michael Middleton one day.

They have become integrated with the royals, often seen embracing and enjoying each other’s company at family events or public appearances. For example, William himself was seen hugging Carole at Royal Ascot last month.

Therefore, if Prince William wanted to make a decision over their titles – could he when he becomes king?
Carole and Michael Middleton (Credit: Ray Tang/Cover Images)

Do Carole and Michael Middleton have titles?

No, even thought their daughter is poised to become Queen Consort Catherine one day – which will likely drop consort similarly to Queen Camilla – they do not have any titles.

They were not born into royalty, nor marry into the family themselves.

When it comes to Earls, Ladies and Dukedoms, these are typically passed down through bloodlines.

There are cases that monarchs bestow these to members of The Firm, but it’s on a case-by-case basis, usually their children. For example, Prince Edward first rejected the Duke of Cambridge title and instead asked his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II to create the Duke of Wessex one.
Prince William will have more powers as monarch (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal protocol over titles

New titles have been dished out in the past, many times throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign. She handed out Harry and Meghan, and William and Kate’s for their wedding day as gifts.

This is also why Harry and Meghan are still Sussex, despite leaving The Firm in 2020.

Prince Harry was made the Duke of Sussex on his wedding day. Although the title was first created in 1801, it wasn’t passed on in 1843. Elizabeth brought it back for Harry and Meghan, who became the Duchess of Sussex, in 2018.

Prince William could award Kate Middleton’s parents new titles

Family friend Sir John Madejski previously made calls for Prince William to grant titles for Carole and Michael Middleton.

He said in 2014: “They should be the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury.

“They deserve it. They are great people and really good role models.”

Whether the future king will listen to the advice, remains to be seen.

Due to their close relationship, he could see fit to give them a title, seeing as they themselves are grandparents of a future king.

There has only be one other grandpa without a title within the royals over the past millennium. The father of Edward VI’s wife Elizabeth, who had an earldom bestowed on him.

The prince has a close relationship with his in-laws (Credit: Cover Images)

Close relationship with the Middletons

It’s no secret Prince William and Kate have a close relationship with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton – so new titles wouldn’t be out the question.

When the Princess of Wales was seen for the first time following her surgery in 2023, she was with her mum in a car.

Then, in a personal video the royal released in September of that year to reveal she had finished chemotherapy treatment, they also made an appearance. Carole and Michael were seen playing card games with the family and their three children around their table in their Norfolk home.

Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have also bonded with their grandparents.

In December, Prince Louis was seen with a handwritten note of thanks to Carole and Michael at Kate’s Together at Christmas Carol Service. The youngster’s note said: “Thank you Granny and Grandpa because they have played games with me.”