Final answer:
Prince William and Prince Harry's notoriety due to their royal birth is an example of ascription, a characteristic where social status is determined by birth rather than personal achievements, exemplified by Britain's hereditary monarchy system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prince William and Prince Harry, both born to Prince Charles, gained instant notoriety because of their birth into the royal family. This is an example of ascription, which is characteristic of societies where social status is often determined by factors beyond the control of individuals rather than through personal efforts or achievements.
In contrast to ascription, other concepts like achievement or accomplishment refer to statuses that are acquired through personal effort and merit. Britain's monarchy, being a hereditary system, exemplifies ascription, where positions of royalty are passed down from generation to generation, not by individual effort but by birthright as detailed in historical practices such as primogeniture.