It is widely expected that The Queen will grant Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but what will their titles be when they are in Scotland?
Prince William is Earl of Strathearn, Prince Andrew is Earl of Inverness, and Prince Charles is the Duke of Rothesay. A likely choice for Prince Harry will be the Earl of Ross, although the title comes with some unlucky history.
He won’t receive a dukedom because then he would outrank his brother.
Co-editor of Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, Wendy Bosberry-Scott told The Press and Journal her thoughts on the matter: “The Scottish title Prince Harry receives is likely to be an earldom but there are very few clues here.
“One potential candidate is Ross, but this was last held by Charles I – who was executed in 1649 – so it may well be considered unlucky.
“Dumbarton is another possibility but, at this point, it is merely speculation and many factors will have to be considered before a suitable title is chosen.”
The Lord of the Isles forfeited the Ross title in the 15th century to the Crown.
There is a history of second sons holding the title including the second son of James III, James Stewart, and the second surviving son of James IV, Alexander Stewart.
The other two royals to hold the title are Mary Queen of Scots husband, Lord Darnley who was strangled to death in 1567 and Charles I who was beheaded. Since the death of Charles I, no one used the title.
McBookie.com has ‘Ross’ as a 6/4 favourite; other picks are Dumbarton, Deloraine, Ormond and Forfar.
Paul Petrie of McBookie.com said: “This might seem like a bit of royal pass-the-parcel but actually a lot of thought and research goes into bestowing a title.
“There is history and prestige behind each one and the Queen will be advised on what is the best fit for the couple and no doubt have her own ideas too.
“These titles are used officially when members of the royal family come to Scotland; it ensures we continue to have our own distinct identity within the United Kingdom and don’t just followed the lead from England.”
The Queen typically announces the titles the day before the couple is married. However, she could hold off and wait for Prince Charles as Sovereign to bestow them. Unlikely, but it an option.
Why not a marquee? (sp?)
Although it would be the secondary title, the earldom of Ross would be a bit confusing as there is an earldom of Rosse (Irish peerage). The current earl is the half uncle of the 2nd Earl of Snowdon.
After seeing the list, my gut is saying the Earl of Forfar. Forfar has special meaning for The Queen as it located so close to Glamis Castle which is the ancestral seat of the Strathmores of which her beloved mother was a descendant of and therefore through that Prince Harry has Strathmore blood in him.
Look at the (wo)man in the mirror. You don’t seem to be a nice person either.
Do you always judge someone by what you read in the papers?
In other words, nobody has ever asked you to marry them.
You’ve chosen to judge these people by gossip printed about them not by their own statements.
You are congratulated for being a righteous dupe.
So glad negative opinions count for nothing in real life –
Long live the Royal Family!