Prince Andrew currently holds the title of Duke of York and has done since 1986, but there is speculation as to whom will inherit the title next.
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What is a Dukedom?
According to the Collins online dictionary, a dukedom is another name for a duchy, meaning it is the land owned by a Duke. It also refers to a Duke's title, rank, or position.
A Duke is the highest of the five peerage ranks, above Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron, per Evening Standard.
King Edward III created the first dukedom in 1337 for his son, Edward, The Black Prince. After which, he became known as the Duke of Cornwall.
However, according to a BBC documentary, The Last Dukes, Dukes are a ‘dying breed’, Queen Victoria created the last dukedom in 1889. Only royal family members can now become dukes, and it is usually linked to marriage.
The Duke of York
According to Yorkshire Live, the Duke of York title is traditionally given to the second son of a British monarch and then passed on to his male heirs. Thus, Prince Andrew currently holds the title.
However, due to the law of male primogeniturePrincess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are prohibited from inheriting the title because of their gender. Prince Andrew would have to produce a legitimate male heir to keep the dukedom 'alive', which seems unlikely.
Therefore, the Dukedom of York will revert back to the crown upon Prince Andrew's death and become extinct.
Recreating the dukedom
Prince Harry could become the next Duke of York as he is now the second son of the reigning monarch. However, Iain MacMarthanne, a constitutional expert, told Express.co.ukthat this is unlikely, given his withdrawal from official duties. The Evening Standard also notes that most Princes become Dukes on their wedding day. Prince Harry already carries the title of Duke of Sussex, and it is nowadays unfashionable to hold multiple dukedoms.
Another possibility is that Prince William recreates the dukedom when he becomes king and gifts it to his second son, Prince Louis, per Yorkshire Live.
Insiderspoke to the residents of York earlier this year. A vast majority preferred to cut ties with Prince Andrew following his sexual assault lawsuit, worrying that the disgraced Prince will taint the city’s reputation.
Should Prince Andrew be stripped of his dukedom?
— Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) April 28, 2022
The Duke of York is facing fresh calls to give up the title after councillors voted to remove his honorary freedom of York city.
His dukedom was a gift from the Queen on his wedding day - so is it fair to force him to give it up? pic.twitter.com/xdRFpeXGGF
While some residents supported the idea of Prince Louis holding the title, others question the necessity of having a Duke of York.
Sources used:
- Yorkshire Live: Who could be the next Duke of York as title at risk of going extinct
- Insider: York residents say they could be the next Duke of York amid calls for Prince Andrew to lose the title
- Express.co.uk: Prince Andrew's Duke of York title could go to Prince Harry – bombshell claim
- Express.co.uk: BBC documentary reveals Britain's dukes last of a dying breed
- Evening Standard: What is a duke? And how is the title different from a prince?
- https://www.collinsdictionary.com/
Read more:
⋙ Prince Harry and Prince Andrew are still in line to the throne, here's why
⋙ Prince Harry and Prince Andrew could be axed as Counsellors of State if King Charles amends law
⋙ Prince Andrew's life will change once Prince Charles becomes king, ex-BBC producer claims
