Kensington Palace updates William and Kate’s titles to Duke and Duchess of Cornwall

Following the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's passing this afternoon (8 September), a number of changes have already been triggered within the royal family, including a title change for William and Kate.

The Queen died 'peacefully' aged 96 at her Balmoral residence this afternoon, the royal family confirmed, following news that doctors were 'concerned' over her health and were recommending that she stay under medical supervision.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," the statement continued.

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Prince Charles has now automatically become King Charles III as he makes history as the oldest monarch ever to take the British throne at 73, although his coronation may not take place for a number of months.

Now that Charles has become Head of State, some changes have instantly been triggered at the top of the line of succession.

Firstly, Prince William is now the heir to the throne, making him and wife Kate the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.

That being said, they aren't dropping their Cambridge titles, meaning this new one will simply be an addition and will read as: TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.

Their kids will subsequently be known as Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge.

Following the news of his mother's passing, the King released his own heartfelt statement: "The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."

He added: "During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held."

The death of the Queen marks a huge moment in history; having ascended to the throne in 1952 aged just 27, she was the longest reigning British monarch, going on to become the longest-serving female head of state ever as she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.

Despite having taken a step back from several public duties in recent years, Queen Elizabeth II continued her service well into her old age, regularly touring and visiting parts of the UK and Northern Ireland, as well as other parts of the Commonwealth, where she was head of state.