Kate Middleton is ‘template’ for royal marriages says expert

Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth, 94, are two of the most senior female royals in the famous family. One day Kate will step into the Queen’s shoes as she takes on the role of Queen consort when Prince William becomes King. The Duchess has already taken on a great many royal duties since marrying the Duke of Cambridge.

One key responsibility is to travel on behalf of the Royal Family.

Indeed Kate has carried out a slew of royal tours beside her husband.

A number of travel rules apply when royals travel – but what happens regarding passports? Does Kate have one or does her seniority make her exempt?

Kate Middleton does have her own passport.

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What’s more, no matter how much more senior she becomes, she will always need one.

However, when William becomes King he will not, just as Elizabeth does not have one due to be Queen.

This is because passports are issued in the name of the monarch, meaning they are currently given by Her Majesty, the Queen.

The document states: “Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

Queen Elizabeth is currently the only person in the UK who does not need a passport to travel for this reason.

When Prince Charles becomes King after Elizabeth, he will also not need a passport.

Of course, in the case of William and Charles, the wording on British passports will shift to His Majesty.

Passports are not the only thing that will differentiate Kate and William when he ascends to the throne.

At the moment, when William and Kate travel, they are subjected to passport checks and go through immigration, just like everyone else in the UK.

However, when William becomes head of the Royal Family, this will no longer be the case.

This exemption currently applies to the Queen.

Nevertheless, the monarch will still have to undergo certain checks when travelling.

The Queen currently needs to answer a few questions regarding her identity.

This can include age and address for security purposes.

Royal also need visas to travel. However, in certain situations, the Royal Family are allowed to cut corners when it comes to applying for visas.

In Australia, for instance, they can be granted a Special Purpose Visa.

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