Princess: Definition, Meaning & Modern Examples

The regal rank and title of Princess is one of the most endearing and evocative of all royal terms. From the medieval princesses of legend, to the fictional princesses of fables and fairy stories, to the modern princesses that dominate the headlines, there’s something endlessly fascinating about this singular role within a royal family. 

The Definition Of A Princess 

In the formal titles of royal ranks, the traditional and most common definition of a princess is the daughter of a monarch. A princess may also be defined as the granddaughter or even great-granddaughter of a sovereign. 

The wife of a prince, sometimes known as a consort may also acquire the rank and title of a princess, or be referred to as such. 

What Does It Mean To Be A Princess? 

Being a princess typically means being a high-ranking and integral part of a royal family. This role may be one inherited at birth, being the child of a king, queen, prince or princess, or it may be one acquired later in life, usually as a result of a royal marriage to a prince. 

This usually means enjoying a life or privilege and eminent social rank, yet it can also mean a life of duty, obligation and service. To be a princess is to live in a rarefied world of royals and nobles, mixing with the most esteemed and powerful individuals within their own royal family and social circles, as well as the royals of other countries. 

Examples Of Famous Princesses

Perhaps the best way to get a clear picture of what it means to be a princess is to explore the lives of some of history’s most famous princesses. Here are some of the legendary and iconic royal women who have captivated and enchanted the world with their glamorous lifestyles and inspiring stories. 

Princess Grace

Princess Grace became renowned and beloved the world over when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. Unlike many young princesses born into their royal roles, Grace Kelly’s rise from Hollywood actress to European royalty was like a real-life fairy story. Her elegant beauty and movie-star glamour caught the attention of the world, and her wedding would be one of the most famous events of the era. Princess Grace would then go on to capture the hearts of the Monagasque people, as she performed her duties as a royal princess alongside her husband for decades. The story of Princess Grace would become even more legendary when she died tragically in a car crash at the age of 52.

Princess Grace of Monaco – Colouring: Pierre Tourigny from Gatineau, Canada, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, is another example of a world-renowned princess. As the only sibling of one of England’s most famous and enduring monarchs, Princess Margaret held a uniquely privileged position within the British Royal Family. Widely regarded to be the more rebellious and unconventional of the two sisters, Princess Margaret would often make headlines of her own, with her scandalous behavior and outspokenness. Yet, she also embodied the glamour and allure of royal living, representing her family and her famous sister as an ambassador at royal galas, tours, and events all around the world. 

Princess Margaret would become known for a number of clashes with her royal heritage, most notably in matters of the heart. After a unique and singular life in the inner circle of a world-famous royal family, Princess Margaret died in 2002, at the age of 71. 

Princess Diana

Arguably one of the most famous princesses the world has ever known, Princess Diana was not a royal by birth, but a consort who married into the royal family and a destiny that few could have predicted. Born Lady Diana Spencer in 1961, the woman who would become the infamous Princess Diana was not originally a part of the royal family, yet she moved in similar social circles. 

Her proximity to England’s royals resulted in her path crossing that of a young Prince Charles, heir to the throne and widely regarded as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors. Their subsequent wedding was hailed as a modern fairy story, though it was not to have a happy ending. 

Despite raising two princes together, the couple famously split amid a storm of publicity and scandal. Princess Diana’s famous love life would later be eclipsed, however, by her tragic death in a car crash in Paris. The woman who wished to be known as The People’s Princess died in 1997, at the age of 36.  

Examples Of Modern Princesses

The world’s most famous princesses have become iconic legends of modern times. Yet there’s a new generation of royal ladies who are establishing their own stories in the canon of royal history. 

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie, niece of the King of England, is establishing herself as a thoroughly modern princess. As the daughter of Prince Andrew, son of the late Queen Elizabeth, she has quietly spent her life at the heart of one of the world’s most famous royal families. As part of a new generation of royals – she is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century princess, bridging the gap between the distant and superior royals of the ages and the ordinary members of the general public. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The new Princess of Wales undoubtedly had some large shoes to fill when taking on such an infamous title, yet she has already begun to make it her own. She is widely regarded as one of the most popular royals, not just within the British Royal Family but the entire world. This is an astonishing achievement for a woman who was not born into royal circles, or even aristocratic lineage. Princess Catherine is an inspiration for women everywhere, and as the wife of the heir to the throne, it’s likely her life and story will only become more fascinating in the years ahead. 

The roles of history’s princess have varied widely over the centuries, yet the women who have held the rank of princess have a great deal in common. The rare and unusual lifestyle and life stories of the world’s royal ladies never fail to capture the imagination of the masses.

If learning about these famous modern princesses has made you curious about acquiring a prestigious Noble Title of your own get in touch using the enquiry form in the sidebar or you can contact our Geneva office directly between 10.00-19.00, Monday to Friday on +41 225 181 360.