Why are Prince William and Kate Middleton also known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay?

The King and Queen were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales in Scotland during Royal Week where Charles III was given the Scottish crown jewels. But when in Scotland, it's not just the crown jewels that differ.

Did you know know that both William and Kate Middleton go by different titles when in Scotland? The pair have had a number of titles during their time as royals and these often change when senior members of the family pass away.

After their 2011 marriage, they became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - a title they took from Queen Elizabeth II. At the same time, their respective titles in Scotland and Northern Ireland became the Earl and Countess of Strathearn, and the Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus.

Following the Queen's death last year, King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022 - prompting yet more title changes. After this, Will and Kate took the royal titles of Prince and Princess of Wales from the now King.

As a result, they also took Charles' old Scottish title and became the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. This is the official title they go by when in Scotland.

Where does the title originate from?

The Duke of Rothesay dates all the way back to 1398 when David Stewart, son of Robert III, became the first person to hold the title.

Annually, the monarch spends a week in Scotland at the royal residence of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh as part of Holyrood Week.

The royal family has strong connections to Scotland, including how the late Queen would spend summers at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire.