Cream of the crop
The title of Duke in the United Kingdom represents the pinnacle of the hierarchical system of nobility and is traditionally granted to princes upon their marriage. The wife of a duke is bestowed the title of duchess. Historically, being named Duke of a region like Sussex meant actual governance or ownership of that area.
However, in contemporary times, these titles are largely ceremonial and do not confer any specific territorial authority or ownership. The tradition of attaching a geographic designation to dukedoms originates from the feudal system, where land and titles were closely linked.
The nobility ladder
The British nobility is structured in a hierarchical order with Dukes at the top, followed by Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons, each typically associated with a geographic area. The title of Duke has been in use since 1337, initiated by Edward III for his son, the Duke of Cornwall.
Traditionally, these titles were hereditary and often inherited by birth, as seen in the case of Charles, who was born as the Duke of Cornwall. As King, Charles now holds the authority to grant royal dukedoms at his discretion, continuing a long-standing tradition.
Not all royals
Although commonly associated with the royal family, the majority of dukedoms in the UK are held by non-royal individuals. Of the 27 existing dukedoms, only a few are held by princes. The King retains the prerogative to select the geographical association for new dukedoms, often choosing traditional locations.
However, there are certain places that are unlikely to be associated with a royal duke in the foreseeable future, indicating a shift in the traditional assignment of these titles.
Their Graces
The scarcity of dukedoms in the UK, with only 24 dukes holding 27 titles, underscores their exclusivity. Since the inception of these titles, there have been fewer than 500 dukes.
Protocols dictate that a duke should be addressed as “Your Grace,” and they often hold multiple titles, which are passed down to their eldest son. Other children of a duke typically carry the courtesy titles of “Lord” or “Lady,” reflecting the hierarchical nature of British nobility.
Charles of Cornwall
In the UK, the eldest child of the monarch is customarily titled the Duke of Cornwall, a position that comes with its own income derived from the Duchy of Cornwall. Charles, before becoming King, held multiple titles, including the Duke of Rothesay, his primary title in Scotland, and the Duke of Edinburgh, which he inherited after Prince Philip’s death.
These titles represent the complex web of British nobility and the intertwining of royal responsibilities and honors across the United Kingdom.
Also an earl
Charles’s accumulation of titles before his ascension to the throne is a testament to the layered nature of British nobility. In 1958, he was made Earl of Chester, and additionally held titles in Scotland (Earl of Carrick) and Wales (Earl of Merioneth).
His Scottish titles included Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. These numerous titles across different regions reflect the historical practice of linking nobility with geographic areas.
William of Cambridge
Prince William, Charles’s eldest son, was granted his own set of titles upon his marriage in 2011, including the Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus. These titles signify his high status in the nobility and his connection to different regions of the UK.
The tradition of inheriting titles means that his eldest son is expected to inherit the dukedom, continuing the lineage.
Past lords
The title of Duke of Cambridge has a storied history, first granted by King Charles II in 1660 to a nephew who, unfortunately, passed away before he could bear it. His brother then received the title, but it too was short-lived.
The title lay dormant until 1801 when Prince Adolphus was made the Duke of Cambridge, showcasing the often tumultuous and unpredictable nature of hereditary titles in British nobility.
Harry of Sussex
Prince Harry was named Duke of Sussex in 2018, just before his marriage to Meghan Markle. He also received the titles of Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel, which are used in Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively.
However, his decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 raised questions about the status of these titles and his place within the British nobility.
Still a royal
Despite stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry retained his titles of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel. He remains a prince and is still technically a Royal Highness, although he and Meghan no longer use this title.
They continue to be recognized as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a nod to their ongoing connection to the British monarchy despite their reduced official roles.
Lordly inheritance
The association of Sussex with nobility dates back to Anglo-Saxon times when local lords were sometimes referred to with a title equivalent to “duke.” The first formal Duke of Sussex was Prince Augustus Frederick, a son of King George III.
He also held the titles of Earl of Inverness and Baron of Arklow, illustrating the often complex and multiple titles held by members of the British nobility. This history reflects the deep-rooted tradition of intertwining geography, title, and status within the UK’s system of aristocracy.
Plain Master
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, as the eldest son of Prince Harry, was eligible to assume the title of Earl of Dumbarton, one of Harry’s subsidiary titles. This practice of bestowing secondary titles upon the heir of a duke is a long-standing tradition in British nobility. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose a different path for Archie.
They desired a more private life for him, away from the intense scrutiny and formalities of royal titles. Consequently, Archie is simply known as “Master Archie,” reflecting his parents’ wish for him to have a childhood less encumbered by royal duties and titles.
Merely an earl
The future conferment of titles upon Archie remains a possibility, much like the case of Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son. Edward was made Earl of Forfar on his birthday, an honor that somewhat compensated for his not being a duke, the only one of the Queen’s sons without this title.
Initially, it was anticipated that Edward would eventually become Duke of Edinburgh, a title traditionally held by the consort of the reigning monarch. However, upon his marriage, he was granted the lesser title of Earl of Wessex instead, an example of the flexibility and evolution of royal title traditions.
Majestic duchies
With Charles’s ascension to the throne, he relinquishes his dukedom, following the precedent set by previous monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II, despite being the owner of the Duchy of Lancaster, was never referred to as the Duke of Lancaster, except in specific regions like Lancashire and the Channel Islands, where she was known as the Duke of Normandy.
This exception to the general rule, where women in the royal family are usually referred to as duchess rather than duke, highlights the unique and sometimes idiosyncratic nature of British royal titles.
Other royals
Beyond the immediate family of Queen Elizabeth II, there are other royal dukes in the British monarchy. Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, is a notable example. As a cousin of Queen Elizabeth, he inherited his title from his father, a son of King George V.
Similarly, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, grandson of George V, inherited his dukedom. These instances show the hereditary nature of royal titles, extending beyond the direct line of succession to include other relatives.
No women need apply
The British royal family’s traditions regarding titles are markedly gendered, especially concerning duchies. Female royals, like princesses, typically do not receive duchies in their own right. For example, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter, was made Princess Royal upon her marriage, a title traditionally bestowed on the eldest daughter of the sovereign.
Interestingly, Anne declined titles for her children, choosing a less formal life for them, indicative of the evolving perspectives within the royal family regarding titles and public roles.
Duke of all this?
The United Kingdom’s nobility includes a diverse array of dukes, some with titles linked to English regions, like the Duke of Beaufort and the Duke of Westminster, and others connected to Scottish or Irish regions, like the Duke of Argyll and the Duke of Leinster.
Some nobles even hold multiple dukedoms simultaneously, such as the individual who is the Duke of Richmond, Gordon, and Lennox. This diversity reflects the historical expansiveness of the British aristocracy and its ties to various parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Possible titles
When Prince Harry was elevated to the status of duke, there was considerable speculation about which title he would receive. Options like Duke of Connaught or Ross were considered unlikely due to their non-English origins. The Duke of Cumberland was a potential choice, despite the region of Cumberland no longer existing as an administrative entity.
This title had historical significance, having previously belonged to a prince who lost it due to his support for Germany in World War I, illustrating the political implications that can accompany royal titles.
Good choice
The title of Duke of Kendal was another possibility for Prince Harry. This title has been created and extinct several times, with notable instances including its allocation to a German prince engaged to a British royal princess in 1816 and its earlier bestowal on a mistress of a King in 1719.
While royal women are typically not made duchesses, this instance shows the exceptions that can occur, underscoring the flexibility and sometimes unconventional nature of royal title assignments.
Not so great
Ultimately, Queen Elizabeth II chose the title of Duke of Sussex for Prince Harry. Other options like Duke of Clarence were likely discounted due to their controversial histories.
The title of Duke of Clarence had been associated with figures involved in treason and scandals, making it a less desirable choice. This decision-making process reflects the careful consideration given to the historical connotations and reputational implications of royal titles.
Absolutely not Windsor
The title of Duke of Windsor, famously held by King Edward VIII following his abdication, was not considered for Prince Harry. Queen Elizabeth II’s apparent wishes suggest that this title, associated with Edward VIII’s controversial abdication and subsequent life, is unlikely to be revived.
Named after the town of Windsor, a longstanding home of the royal family, the title carries significant historical weight and is intrinsically linked to the royal house’s family name.
Peace the goal
King Edward VIII, before becoming Duke of Windsor, was made Prince of Wales at the age of 16. His experience in World War I profoundly impacted him, leading to his strong advocacy for peace and his determination to avoid future conflicts with Germany.
This stance, while noble in intent, proved problematic given the political context of his time, illustrating the complex interplay between personal beliefs and public duties in the life of a royal.
Private person
Edward VIII’s personal life was marked by a distinct disconnect from traditional royal expectations and a strong affinity for American culture, especially jazz music. His passion for this genre was not merely superficial; he deeply immersed himself in the jazz scene, often spending entire nights dancing and socializing with his mistress, Wallis Simpson.
This behavior was more than just a rebellious phase; it was a clear expression of his preference for a lifestyle that deviated significantly from the reserved and formal nature of British royalty. Edward’s enthusiasm for jazz was indicative of his broader desire to distance himself from the constraints of royal life and embrace a more liberated, if controversial, existence.
Lover of Germany
Edward’s fascination with Germany during the 1930s, a time of significant political upheaval, was a matter of public concern and controversy. His views on Hitler and Nazi Germany, initially admiring, would later be recognized as a grave misjudgment. This attitude, though somewhat common in the early 1930s, would later become a significant blight on his reputation.
His pro-German sentiments, especially during a period of rising tensions in Europe, were not only politically naïve but would also significantly tarnish his image both within and outside the royal family.
The mistress
Edward’s personal life was further complicated by his relationship with Wallis Simpson, an American woman who was already married when they met in 1931. This affair, far from being a discreet liaison, became widely known and was a source of considerable scandal. His ascension to the throne in 1936 did nothing to dampen the controversy.
The royal family and the British government were both deeply concerned about the implications of this relationship, foreshadowing the constitutional crisis that would soon follow.
Unpopular marriage
Edward’s commitment to Wallis Simpson was profound and unwavering. His desire to marry her, despite her being a twice-divorced American, was a clear departure from royal convention and expectations. The looming coronation in May 1937 was overshadowed by the scandal, as public and institutional opposition to their marriage grew.
The controversy surrounding their relationship and Edward’s insistence on marrying Wallis would eventually lead to his abdication, an unprecedented event in modern British history.
Church unhappy
As the head of the Church of England, Edward’s proposed marriage to Wallis Simpson presented a significant religious and moral dilemma. The Archbishop of Canterbury, representing the church, was staunchly opposed to the union, given Wallis’s divorces.
The British government also resisted, rejecting a compromise that would allow the marriage while denying Wallis the title of Queen and any children from the union a place in the line of succession. This resistance from both the church and state highlighted the deep-seated conflicts between Edward’s personal desires and his duties as king.
“Prepared to go”
In a pivotal meeting in November 1936, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin conveyed to Edward that the British public would not accept his marriage to Wallis Simpson. Despite this, Edward remained resolute in his decision, famously declaring his intent to marry her regardless of the consequences.
This conversation was a critical moment in the unfolding abdication crisis, signaling Edward’s willingness to prioritize his personal life over his royal duties and responsibilities.
The abdication
Edward’s abdication was a momentous and somber event, marking the end of his brief reign. His radio address to the nation in December 1936, where he explained his inability to continue as king without Wallis Simpson by his side, was a poignant and unprecedented admission of the conflict between love and duty.
This speech was a public acknowledgment of his decision to choose a personal relationship over the crown, a choice that had profound implications for the monarchy and the nation.
Stayed royal
Following his abdication, Edward’s royal status underwent a significant transformation. His brother, who ascended the throne as George VI, sought to maintain Edward’s royal dignity by bestowing upon him the title of Duke of Windsor. This gesture was an attempt to preserve a sense of continuity and respect within the royal family, despite the tumultuous circumstances.
The title of Duke of Windsor, along with the retention of the “Royal Highness” style, was a compromise that allowed Edward to retain a connection to the monarchy, albeit in a significantly altered capacity.
Poor reputation
Edward’s post-abdication life was marked by continued controversy, especially regarding his attitudes toward Nazi Germany. His pre-war statements and actions were increasingly scrutinized and criticized, revealing a pattern of questionable judgment and political naivety. His remarks about the Jewish situation and the suggestion that the UK could benefit from a dictator were particularly alarming.
These views, coupled with his known admiration for Germany, painted a picture of a royal figure whose political sensibilities were dangerously out of step with the realities of the time.
Puppet ruler
The Duke of Windsor’s interactions with Nazi Germany during World War II were a source of grave concern. His correspondence with German officials and the Nazis’ plans to potentially use him as a puppet ruler in a conquered Britain were alarming developments. These plans, which included a possible kidnapping scheme, underscored the perceived value of Edward as a political tool by the Nazis.
Hitler’s intentions to install Edward as a figurehead ruler, should Germany succeed in defeating Britain, highlighted the potential risks and implications of Edward’s sympathies for the Nazi regime.
Bahamas governor
Winston Churchill, as the wartime Prime Minister, was acutely aware of the Duke of Windsor’s problematic dealings with Germany. In an effort to mitigate the risks associated with Edward’s behavior and to prevent him from being exploited by the Nazis, Churchill proposed appointing him as the Governor of the Bahamas.
This move was designed to keep Edward at a safe distance from European affairs and to limit his potential to cause diplomatic or political harm. Edward’s reluctance to accept this position was overcome only by Churchill’s stern warning of the possible consequences of refusal, illustrating the government’s serious concerns about the duke’s actions and allegiances.
Family discontented
The Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, faced significant estrangement from the British royal family following his abdication. His expectation of returning to the UK and resuming some form of royal life was met with stern opposition from his brother, King George VI, and other members of the royal family. They made it clear that any attempt to re-enter royal life without an explicit invitation would result in financial and social ostracism.
This hardline stance was maintained for most of Edward’s life, underscoring the deep rift his abdication and subsequent actions had caused within the royal family. The severity of this estrangement reflects the profound impact of his decision to abdicate, not only on his personal life but also on his relationships within the monarchy.
Living in France
Following his abdication, Edward and Wallis Simpson lived in France, effectively in self-imposed exile. During this time, the Duke of Windsor transitioned from a monarch to a socialite, a stark contrast to his previous life. His days were filled with parties, travel, and a certain degree of celebrity, yet he never again held a significant public role or position of responsibility.
His transformation into a social figure was met with mixed reactions; notable figures like Gore Vidal observed in his memoir “Palimpsest” that the duke lacked substance in his conversations, indicating a perhaps unfulfilled life after his abdication.
Home at last
The Duke of Windsor’s life gradually diminished in prominence and he passed away in 1972. Despite spending a significant portion of his life away from the UK, he was ultimately allowed to return for burial, a gesture that symbolically reconciled his status as a former monarch with his estranged position from the royal family.
He was interred in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor, a site reserved for members of the royal family, marking a final return to his roots. Initially, there were plans for him to be buried alongside Wallis in Baltimore, Maryland, but her eventual burial in Windsor beside him completed their joint story in a place of royal significance.
Never to be used again
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal affairs commentator, has expressed a clear view on the lasting impact of Edward’s actions on the title Duke of Windsor. Speaking to the British Heritage website in 2022, he emphasized that the title is now inextricably linked with Edward’s controversial legacy.
This sentiment reflects a broad consensus that the title Duke of Windsor, once a symbol of royal prestige, has been permanently marred by its association with Edward’s abdication, making its future use highly unlikely.
Living in France
Following his abdication, Edward and Wallis Simpson lived in France, effectively in self-imposed exile. During this time, the Duke of Windsor transitioned from a monarch to a socialite, a stark contrast to his previous life. His days were filled with parties, travel, and a certain degree of celebrity, yet he never again held a significant public role or position of responsibility.
His transformation into a social figure was met with mixed reactions; notable figures like Gore Vidal observed in his memoir “Palimpsest” that the duke lacked substance in his conversations, indicating a perhaps unfulfilled life after his abdication.
Home at last
The Duke of Windsor’s life gradually diminished in prominence and he passed away in 1972. Despite spending a significant portion of his life away from the UK, he was ultimately allowed to return for burial, a gesture that symbolically reconciled his status as a former monarch with his estranged position from the royal family.
He was interred in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor, a site reserved for members of the royal family, marking a final return to his roots. Initially, there were plans for him to be buried alongside Wallis in Baltimore, Maryland, but her eventual burial in Windsor beside him completed their joint story in a place of royal significance.
Never to be used again
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal affairs commentator, has expressed a clear view on the lasting impact of Edward’s actions on the title Duke of Windsor. Speaking to the British Heritage website in 2022, he emphasized that the title is now inextricably linked with Edward’s controversial legacy.
This sentiment reflects a broad consensus that the title Duke of Windsor, once a symbol of royal prestige, has been permanently marred by its association with Edward’s abdication, making its future use highly unlikely.
Selfish man
Fitzwilliams further elaborated on the shift in public perception regarding the Duke of Windsor. Initially romanticized as the king who abdicated for love, Edward’s reputation has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades.
He is now often viewed as a figure who shirked his patriotic and royal duties and harbored sympathies for fascism. This narrative of selfishness and political naivety has come to overshadow the romantic story of his abdication, painting a complex and often critical picture of his legacy.
Still a Windsor
While the title of Duke of Windsor is unlikely to be revived, the Windsor name continues to hold nobility in the form of the Earl of Plymouth, Ivor Windsor-Clive, who also holds the title of Viscount Windsor. The Windsor-Clive family’s connection to the Windsor name originates from the maternal lineage of the earls of Plymouth.
This ongoing use of the Windsor name in British nobility highlights the enduring significance of place names in the aristocratic titles, even as the specific title of Duke of Windsor remains dormant, a relic of a controversial chapter in British royal history.