Kate Middleton and Prince William take on links to Ireland after Royal Wedding - PHOTOS

As part of the a long standing tradition Buckingham Palace and HRM Queen Elizabeth has bestowed new titles on Prince William and his new bride Kate Middleton as part of the Royal Wedding.

William is now the Baron Carrickfergus, Duke of Cambridge and Earl of Strathearn which links him to Ireland and Scotland as well as England. His grandmother Queen Elizabeth has given him these titles to mark his wedding day. His new bride also takes on the the titles.

The palace released a statement which read "The queen has today been pleased to confer a dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus…Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge."

A spokesperson for Prince William said he was 'honored'.

Kate Middleton also becomes 'her royal highness' today. It is thought that she will be known to the public as Princess Catherine. She will not officially be Princess Catherine as she was not born a princess however, just like William's mother Diana it is thought the media will give her this title.

The Irish Viscountcy of Chichester of Carrickfergus is now held by the Marquess of Donegal was created in 1625 but Carrickfergus alone only existed as a title between 1841 and 1883. The town of Carrickfergus is the oldest in the County of Antrim predating Belfast. Carrickfergus is the town where William of Orange landed on the island 300 years ago.

The residents of Carrickfergus are also hopeful that this new title could mean a royal visit. Mayor of Carrickfergus, Jim McClurg spoke to Ulster TV (UTV).

He said "It's an extreme thrill for the people of Carrickfergus to have this honor bestowed on them. It's taken us completely by surprise. We certainly hope this means we can expect a special royal visitor in the near future."

As the Royal Wedding was celebrated in London on Friday the Union Jack was raised about the Norman Castle in the town and bunting and decorations were seen around the town.

See photos: Royal Wedding Photo Gallery