This Is Why Prince Philip Is Not Called The King Of England

Any child who has read a fairy tale or two knows that kingdoms are ruled by kings and queens. But this does not seem to apply to the British monarchy, where Queen Elizabeth II’s husband is still called Prince Philip. To those who don’t really know the rules governing the British monarchy, the reason is that the British Parliamentary treats the spouses of royal family members differently, depending on their gender.

When A Female Member Of The Royal Family Marries

The husband of the female royal family member is “not eligible to take the male form of his wife’s title.” Thus, Philip Mountbatten did not automatically become a prince when he married Elizabeth in 1947, who was still a princess at that time.

It is also this reason why upon her coronation and she became Queen Elizabeth II, Philip did not become a king, which would have been the male form of his wife Elizabeth’s title. Instead, Philip only became a prince consort.

There is a more recent instance where this rule took effect. When Prince William’s cousin Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in 2018, her husband did not become a prince. The only way for Jack to become a prince is if he will be granted a royal title by the Queen, which has not happened to this day.

Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie retained her royal title even after her marriage. However, she has the option to take Jack’s last name if she wants to.

When A Male Member Of The Royal Family Marries

It’s a different scenario when it’s a male member of the royal family who marries. His wife is allowed to take the female form of his title. For instance, when Kate Middleton married Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, she became the Duchess of Cambridge. Similarly, Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. And when William eventually becomes the King of England one day, Kate will become queen as it is the female form of his title.