Exploring the Realm of Non-Royal Dukes in the British Peerage

The British Peerage, a historical and largely hereditary system of noble titles, includes several important and unique positions. At the pinnacle of these titles stand the Dukes, whose rich history reflects the evolution of British society and its changing monarchies. In this article, we will delve into the world of non-royal Dukes, examining their current numbers, lineage, and the intricacies of their titles.

The Current Count of Non-Royal Dukes

As of the present, there are 37 extant titles of Duke in the British Peerage, of which 30 are currently held by non-royals. This number is subject to change, as certain titles have complex succession rules, particularly in the case of the Duchy of Marlborough, which potentially allows for female succession. The Duchy of Lancaster, held by the Queen herself, is always in the royal line and is not considered when counting non-royal Dukes.

The Current Holders of Non-Royal Dukes

The 29 non-royal Dukes, listed in order of the date of their first creation, include:

Duke of Norfolk Duke of Somerset Duke of Richmond and Lennox Duke of Grafton Duke of Beaufort Duke of St Albans Duke of Bedford Duke of Devonshire Duke of Marlborough Duke of Rutland Duke of Hamilton and Brandon Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry Duke of Argyll Duke of Atholl Duke of Montrose Duke of Roxburghe Duke of Manchester Duke of Northumberland Duke of Leinster Duke of Wellington Duke of Sutherland Duke of Abercorn Duke of Westminster Duke of Fife

Each of these titles has a unique and fascinating history, reflecting the complex and often changing structure of British nobility.

Historical Context of Non-Royal Dukes

The titles held by non-royal Dukes were often created to recognize significant individuals or families within the realm. For example, the current incumbent of the Duke of Wellington title, Richard Grosvenor, is the 14th holder of the title, dating back to 1703. Similarly, the Duke of Westminster, a title first created in 1874, is now held by the eighth Duke, reflecting its long but relatively recent presence in the peerage.

Recent Creations: Duchies of Fife and Westminster

Among the more recent creations, the most recently created non-royal dukedom is the Duke of Fife, which was created in 1900. Conversely, the Duke of Westminster is the most recently created dukedom that has never been a royal title, despite later taking over the role of the previous Dukes of Westminster from the royal line.

Complex Succession Rules

The Dukedom of Marlborough, for instance, has an exceptionally complex succession rule designed to ensure the title does not become extinct. This rule allows the title to pass to daughters, a rare occurrence in British nobility, and has been in effect since its creation in 1702.

On the other hand, the Dukedom of York, while currently held by Prince Andrew, could potentially become a non-royal title when Prince Charles becomes King, assuming the original holder's youngest brother, Edward, is granted the title after Prince Charles.

Summary of Non-Royal Dukes

In conclusion, the British Peerage is a fascinating system that continues to evolve, particularly in the realm of non-royal Dukes. Their titles and rules of succession reflect both the historical and contemporary dynamics of British society. Whether through complex succession rules like those of Marlborough or the simple yet historic presence of Fife, these Dukes remain a crucial part of the British aristocracy.