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Ellen Shouvlin asked this question about Red, White & Royal Blue:
Why is Henry Prince of Wales when Prince of Wales is an honorary title reserved for the heir apparent?
Jaxom It’s either a lack of understanding and research on the part of the author or they have created a parallel universe. I’m going for parallel universe (…moreIt’s either a lack of understanding and research on the part of the author or they have created a parallel universe. I’m going for parallel universe (it’s easier on my brain lol).
I’m enjoying the book, but every time “of Wales” get’s mentioned, my brain jars, with the inaccurate title. I suppose we have to suspend belief and agree, that this is a work of fiction, so the eligibility of titles could very well be different in this parallel universe.

In our world though…..
The late Queen Elizabeth II started life as Princess Elizabeth of York. When her father inherited the throne after her uncle’s abdication, she became just Princess Elizabeth (Heir presumptive rather than Heir assumptive) loosing the style “of York” as her father’s title “Duke of York” reverted back to the Crown once more. The Queen’s uncle King Edward had been the last Prince of Wales before he became king.
Elizabeth could never have been given the title of Princess of Wales as there was always that possibility her parents King George and Queen Elizabeth could have had a “surprise” pregnancy and produced a son late into their marriage.
The next Prince of Wales was Queen Elizabeth’s heir, Prince Charles. Princess Elizabeth was never “of Wales” because her father was never granted the title due to him being a youngster son of the monarch, the title is never given to a female, even if they are 1st in line to the throne.
Now that Charles is king, William has become Prince of Wales.

In the book Henry could never be “of Wales” and neither could his older brother or sister be styled “of Wales” because their father was neither Royal or 1st in line to the throne. Henry’s mother could also never be Princess of Wales. She could however be Princess Royal as long as she didn’t have an older Aunt who was the oldest daughter of a previous monarch and currently holding the title of Princess Royal. The title Princess Royal stays with the holder until death. The current Princess Royal, Princess Anne had to wait for Princess Mary the eldest daughter of George V to die before she could become Princess Royal.
There is also no guarantee that the oldest daughter of a monarch will receive the title either. Henry VIII’s oldest daughter Mary was never granted the title even though she was 2nd in line to the throne and became Mary I.
Henry’s older brother in the book should eventually become Prince of Wales, but only after his grandmother Queen Mary’s death and his Mother ascending the throne.
Henry would get granted a title upon his marriage from either his grandmother or his mother, depending on who was monarch at the time…. But it would never be Prince of Wales or “of Wales” unless his older brother died before their mother became Queen. (less)
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Red, White & Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston (Goodreads Author)
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