The Duchess of Cornwall
| Duchess of Cornwall | |
|---|---|
| Style | Her Royal Highness Ma'am |
| Term length | As long as married to the Duke of Cornwall |
| Inaugural holder | Joan of Kent |
| Website | www.princeofwales.gov.uk |
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The Duchess of Cornwall is the title held by the wife of the Duke of Cornwall. Duke of Cornwall is a non-hereditary peerage held by the British Sovereign's eldest son and heir.
The current Duchess of Cornwall is Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (the former Camilla Parker Bowles), since her 9 April 2005 marriage to Charles, Prince of Wales.
Prior to their marriage, the title was normally used only in Cornwall since customarily the Sovereign's eldest son and heir is created Prince of Wales and his wife is styled the Princess of Wales, and it is those names that are typically used to refer to them. In Scotland the couple use the title Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Since the title of Duke of Cornwall can be held only by an heir-apparent who is also the eldest son of the monarch, no woman can be Duchess of Cornwall in her own right. However, this may change now that proposals to change the rules of succession are completed.
The first Duchess of Cornwall was Joan "The Fair Maid of Kent", who, in October 1361, married Edward, the Black Prince.
Catherine of Aragon was also Duchess of Cornwall through her marriage to Arthur, Prince of Wales, who was the Duke of Cornwall.
Before the present Duchess, the most recent Duchess of Cornwall was Diana, Princess of Wales. During this period, she was usually styled Princess of Wales, as have been most Duchesses of Cornwall.
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