Cultural influencers. Esteemed royalty. Fashion icons.

Much can be said about Prince William and Kate Middleton. Considered iconic British superstars, their unique position of power and benevolent nature makes the couple revered by the public, even outside of the UK.

Because of their status, the royal duo is often surrounded by a constant flurry of media attention and conjecture. How solid is their relationship? What will they name their third child? How does William feel about one day becoming King?

The exact answers to these questions are regular sources of fascination for the public, prompting continuous media scrutiny and fixation. Sometimes the answers come easily, and sometimes they don’t. But at the end of the day, the public has a clearly insatiable obsession with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

However, there is one question that might baffle even William and Middleton themselves. One that, if asked during an interview, would likely stump them and would likely perplex the media as well.

If the two were to pass away right now … what would happen? Aside from some of the obvious repercussions – namely, mourning and sadness – the world is perhaps unprepared for their deaths. As 35-year-olds, Middleton and William are likely unprepared themselves. Although we all have an understanding of death, it often seems distant and non-threatening.

Unfortunately, the possibility of an untimely end for the two does exist – so what would it mean? For their immediately extended family? For the United Kingdom? For the world at large? The answers are unclear, but we certainly have some ideas. Read on to get an idea of what the world might look like if William and Middleton were to meet their end.

15. Prince George And Princess Charlotte Would Be Parentless

It’s heart-wrenching, but it’s true!

Since their marriage in 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton have had two children together – George, age 4, and Charlotte, age 2. Should William and Middleton meet an untimely end, their children would have to be looked after by another party. It’s unclear who exactly would take the role, but thankfully, the two royal children would definitely have options. Between William’s father (Charles) and brother (Harry), both children would have the care of their immediate family. And if all else failed, they’d probably be given the royal treatment and would be well looked after by staff members.

However, because William and Middleton are expecting another child in 2018, that child – whether boy or girl – wouldn’t likely see the light of day. A shame, as George and Charlotte would never get to meet their sibling – and vice-versa. This is all very hard to imagine, so we’d better move on!

14. Prince George Might Soon Be King

The current British monarch is, of course, her highness Queen Elizabeth II, with her eldest son Charles next in line, followed by his son, Prince William. Following William is, of course, Prince George, who is only four years old at the time of this writing.

Let’s be honest. With Queen Elizabeth currently 91 years old, the public is wondering when exactly the passing of the crown will take place. However, with Charles, the next-in-line to the throne already 69 years old, the odds are that, unfortunately, the two of them might not be around for much longer.

So what does this mean? Well, if Prince William unexpectedly passed away, there’s a chance that Prince George could then become king – following, of course, the tragic deaths of both Elizabeth II and Charles.

However, there is a laundry-list of things that could happen to prevent George’s rise to power. Only time will tell.

13. People Would Be Shocked

Death is not something we as humans generally react favorably towards. Being royalty and public figures, the death of Prince William and Middleton would be especially tragic.

Regardless of how it happened, you could expect massive media coverage, remembrance ceremonies, and a widely-felt global impact. It’d be hard to outrun the news of two of the most influential figures of our time meeting an abrupt end.

Death isn’t always tragic though – especially when we see it coming. However, due to the fact that both Prince William and Kate Middleton are only 35 years old, the public reaction would largely consist of shock.

It’s also likely that there would be further grieving directed at the loss of their next child, who is due to arrive in April of 2018. It’s hard enough to say goodbye to the living – but having to bury a child who has yet to be held in the arms of her mother surely evokes another level of sorrow entirely.

12. A Day Of Grieving

Princess Diana’s death in 1997 prompted massive public response, with an estimated 3 million attending her funeral and millions more watching via television. So many flowers were left at her home that they began to overflow into roads, causing a public disturbance.

If Prince William and Kate Middleton were to pass away prematurely, it would only follow that mass grievance would occur. There might be street walks, memorial charities, ribbons – not to mention countless flowers. And due to the couple meeting an unforeseen end, it’s likely that the implications would even be felt for longer than just a single day.

The royal family is held in high esteem by many UK residents, making the deaths especially tragic in the eyes of the nation’s citizens. In fact, in 2013, a poll showed that confidence in the British monarchy was at an all-time high.

No matter how it might happen or when, one thing is for sure – Prince William and Kate Middleton would be sorely missed.

11. George And Charlotte Would Lose A Sibling

As we’ve mentioned already a few times, Prince William And Kate Middleton are expecting! We don’t know the gender of the child yet or the name, but the new addition to the royal family is due to arrive sometime in April of 2018.

However, if William and Middleton were to pass away suddenly, the sibling of George and Charlotte would be forever lost. It’s unclear how or even if George and Charlotte would receive the news, due to their young age.

If Middleton’s third child were to pass away, the three of them would never get to share their childhood together and make memories. They’d never know what it might be like to know each other and to watch each other grow and blossom into adulthood.

Thankfully, George and Charlotte do have each other and are both around the same age. But, speaking from my own childhood experience, it’s like they say – the more, the merrier.

10. There Would Be Mass Media Coverage

Live video coverage, tweets, Facebook posts, news articles – if the royal superstar duo were to pass away, you can bet there would be a media storm of epic proportions in response.

Thankfully, this article doesn’t concern itself with the specific causes and details of the couple’s hypothetical death. But, as we can all imagine, the disastrous outcome would leave the world shocked, and word would likely spread like wildfire.

Who will take care of their children? Who will take over their responsibilities? Will their charitable work continue? What did they state in their wills?

These questions and many more would likely arise amongst the ensuing chaos and confusion. In unforeseen times like these, the media rarely has answers for them – but they’d likely pretend that they did.

Not only would the couple’s death be big news, but it might even end up being the biggest news of the year, due to the public nature of William and Middleton’s lives. Let’s all hope it doesn’t.

9. Their Humanitarian Contributions Would Be Missed

Both William and Middleton have a long-spanning history of participating in charitable acts and activism. William has volunteered for many humanitarian services and organizations in the past, including the Red Cross in 2004 following the infamous Boxing Day tsunami. As for The Duchess, she has recently been campaigning to promote mental health awareness, including an appearance in a video created for the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

“It helps us all to talk about our mental health: what to say and who to talk to when we have feelings that are too big to manage on our own and how to listen and help if one of our friends is finding things difficult,” Middleton stated in the video.

If the royal couple were to pass away, their generous contributions to the world in both the forms of donations and activism would cease. It’s often said that one person can’t make much of a difference in the world – but William and Middleton’s efforts say otherwise.

8. William’s Efforts to Help Protect African Wildlife Would Cease

Prince William has been a patron of the Tusk Trust – a non-profit organization dedicated to African wildlife conservation – since 2005. William has demonstrated a particular passion and dedication to the cause. In November of this year, he stated the following in a formal address on behalf of Tusk:

“For many of you, you will have heard me talk about the illegal trade before. It is barbaric, it destroys livelihoods and communities, and it supports organized crime. The world is a worse place for it, and we must stamp it out. I have always argued that, while the problem is serious, it is beatable. The good news of the past two years points to this.”

If William were to pass away suddenly, he would no longer be able to contribute to the Tusk Trust. It’s unclear what direction the organization would take, as it would likely continue without him. However, it’s certain that his vibrant enthusiasm for the animals of Africa would be missed.

7. Kate Middleton’s Fashion Influence Would Be Extinguished

The United Kingdom has had a continued fascination with Kate Middleton’s wardrobe. So much so, that the specific outfits and clothes she wears regularly become hot-ticket items following media appearances. Not surprisingly, she’s also been regularly selected as a style icon by multiple publications, including Style.com and Vanity Fair.

Middleton’s death would have far-reaching consequences across the world, no doubt. But it would also mean the loss of her fashion influence upon thousands of men and women, young and old. For the non-fashion obsessed, this might seem like an insignificant loss. However, from a social standpoint, human beings are often drawn to admiring the famous and iconic figures of their time. To some, Middleton might just appear to be another vapid celebrity – but she provides many with a sense of identity and empowerment, imbuing them with the power of inspiration. Should she pass away, this positive influence would be lost, much to the dismay of thousands.

6. The Paparazzi Would Stop Harassing Them

As you might expect, since the couple began dating, they’ve been continuously hounded by paparazzi. This has prompted Middleton to since take legal action against multiple news outlets and individuals. William has also had to come forward in the past to establish boundaries between the couple and pesky photographers.

The couple’s disdain for the paparazzi is likely justified, however. In 1997, William’s mother Diana was killed after a car crash in which Diana and her company were pursued by unwanted photographers on motorcycles. Upon arrival at the crash scene, some of these illicit photographers ran to help the injured passengers while others began taking pictures instead. It’s thought that this event has shaped the attitudes of both William and Middleton towards news media – and rightfully so!

But, should Prince William and Duchess Middleton pass away, their days of being relentlessly followed by the paparazzi would be over. Sure, death might not be a preferable stipulation – but at least they’d finally get the peace and quiet they so rightfully deserve. Rest in peace, indeed.

5. Middleton’s Generous Donations Would Cease

Middleton is a patron of multiple organizations, including The Art Room, National Portrait Gallery, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, Action on Addiction, Place2Be, Natural History Museum, Anna Freud Centre, Sportsaid, and The 1851 Trust.

With her passing, these organizations would no longer see regular donations from The Duchess. Given that her estimated net worth is around £7.6million, it’s easy to see that her contributions might be missed.

However, depending on the Duchess of Cambridge’s wishes, much of her money might end up going towards similar charitable organizations upon her death regardless. It’s unknown if this would actually occur, but that said, it wouldn’t exactly be out of character for Middleton. During Middleton’s wedding to William, the couple asked that all well-wishers donate wedding presents in the form of donations to select charitable causes instead. The initiative – dubbed “The Royal Wedding Charity Fund” – was a remarkable demonstration of the couple’s continued conscientiousness.

4. Their Cultural Legacy Would End

Both Prince William and Middleton are renowned public figures and are widely considered to be cultural icons of the United Kingdom. In 2014, Middleton appeared alongside names like Adele, David Beckham, and Elton John as a top-voted UK cultural candidate that “… [readers] are personally invested in.” She also made Time magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

As the current second potential heir to the throne, Prince William also generates quite a spotlight. In 2011, William was named “Britain’s Most Influential Man” by website AskMen, beating out French DJ David Guetta and soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo for the top slot.

Based on these awards, it’s easy to see that both The Duchess of Cambridge and her husband, Prince William, are cultural paragons and are idolized by many. The nature of their publicly-lived lives often leads many to feel attached to the couple, and their unexpected passing would be met with immense sadness.

3. BAFTA Would Lose Its President

As if he wasn’t busy enough already, Prince William is also the current president of The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, a major proponent of the televised arts in the UK. As per tradition, the academy is run in part by British royalty, with William becoming president back in 2010. Celebrating films, video games, and television alike, the academy is built on a multi-faceted love for many forms of televised art forms and holds annual awards ceremonies to boot. If William were to pass away, somebody else would have to step up and fulfill his duties, which don’t exactly seem light. Aside from running the organization to some extent, William’s duties also include awarding very generous annual scholarships of up to £12,000 to selected art. Although William is president of BAFTA UK, the organization has also branched out into Los Angeles, Scotland, Wales and New York.

2. Prince William Won’t Inherit The Duchy of Cornwall Estate

Estimated to be valued at a staggering £760 million (about $1.25 billion US), The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate established in 1337. It’s quite a property, too, covering a reported 53,408 hectares of land spanning 23 individual counties. And if William were to pass away, well, ownership of this marvelous, breathtaking estate wouldn’t be his, and he’d also forfeit the title of “Duke of Cornwall.”

William is due to inherit the property after Prince Charles, who is currently making a sizeable chunk of change from the estate. In 2015, the property generated a reported £19.8 million in income for Charles. Talk about a royalty check!

If William did pass away unexpectedly, the property’s ownership would likely jump to an approved heir, such as one of William’s children or perhaps Prince Harry. As stated by the estate, the next Duke of Cornwall is the eldest surviving son of the monarch and the Heir to The Throne.

1. Royal William Roses Would Jump In Sales

The Royal William rose was developed by Reimer Kordes in 1984 and has been marketed in the past with names like La Magie du Parfum, Fragrant Charm, and Leonora Christine.

However, upon the birth of Prince William in 1983, it was renamed to “Royal William” to celebrate William’s arrival.

Given that Princess Diana’s untimely death saw a massive public response in the form of thousands of flower bouquets, it seems reasonable to think that if William and Middleton passed away, the Royal William rose would make an appearance in mourning.

In fact, the same rose was planted at the Windsor Great Park’s Savill Garden to celebrate the couple’s marriage in 2011, making it more than fitting. Apparently, the dark red, pointy-budded flower has earned quite a reputation for itself over the years, too. In both 1985 and 1987, it was awarded the “Fragrance Award” as well as “Best of the Best” in 1987 by The Royal Horticultural Society.