During a recent official visit to Scotland, royal watchers noticed something that caused a bit of confusion. Prince William and Princess Kate were not being introduced as the Prince and Princess of Wales. Instead, locals and official schedules referred to them as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
For those unfamiliar with royal tradition, the change sounded unusual. But in reality, it follows a long established rule that dates back centuries and is still observed today.
A title rooted in Scottish history
North of the English border, the heir to the throne uses a different set of titles. In Scotland, Prince William is known as the Duke of Rothesay and Kate as the Duchess of Rothesay. Royal author Robert Jobson explained that this tradition goes back to a time when Scotland was a separate kingdom.
The title was first created in 1396 and was traditionally given to the eldest son of the Scottish monarch. It has been passed down through generations ever since. While the Prince of Wales title applies across the rest of the UK, Rothesay is specifically used in Scotland as a sign of respect for its distinct royal heritage.