William and Kate have become the new Prince and Princess of Wales, with the King announcing their titles in his historic address to the nation.

King Charles III set his affairs in order in a television broadcast on Friday evening (September 9), saying he was proud to bestow the title on his eldest son and heir.

It means William is following in his father’s footsteps, and Kate has become the first person since Diana, Princess of Wales to use the title, which Diana held when she was married to Charles.

A source close to the Waleses said: “The couple are focussed on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.”

Charles was created the Prince of Wales by the Queen when he was just nine years old, with the title belonging to him for more than 64 years.

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The title Prince of Wales has long been used for heirs to the throne as William, 40, is now, but it is not an automatic right, and is the choice of the sovereign to award it.

The investiture of the King at Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd was watched by millions via TV, however the title divides opinion throughout Wales.  

Following the announcement of William and Kate's appointment as Prince and Princess of Wales, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: "There will be time, in due course, for a public debate surrounding the title of the Prince of Wales.

"It is Plaid Cymru's long-held view that it should be the people's democratic right to have a final say on this matter in an independent Wales.

"For now, Plaid Cymru's thoughts are with the Royal Family as they grieve."

The first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford reflected on the announcement in a statement via twitter.

William and Kate lived in Wales for a time before they married and as newlyweds, spending several years in Anglesey, but will now make moves to strengthen their bond with the country.

The Prince of Wales paid tribute to his “Grannie” the Queen In a statement released on Saturday afternoon (September 10).

William also said his children would have “memories that will last their whole lives” from their time spent with the Queen, adding he would “honour her memory” through supporting his father, the King.

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In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, William said: “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.

“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.

“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.

“I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.

“My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.

“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”

William was born Prince William of Wales, and was given the title the Duke of Cambridge by his grandmother the Queen when he wed in 2011.

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As heir to throne, which he automatically became on the death of the Queen on Thursday, William’s royal duties will intensify, in support of his father and as he prepares for his own reign one day.

Charles paid tribute to “our new Prince and Princess of Wales”, saying they would “continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given”.

The King said: “As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me.

“He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades.

“Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.

“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

A source close to the Waleses added: “The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.

“The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”