Twitter
Advertisement

Royal Wedding 2018: How Prince Harry and Meghan Merkel became Duke and Dutchess of Sussex

Peerage goes back to feudal times

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

On Saturday, when Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, she became the Dutchess of Sussex. Harry meanwhile was christned the Duke of Sussex.

Harry's titles will be His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Once married, Meghan will be known as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. She will be the first person to hold that title.

The titles are granted under the British monarchy's system of "peerage,", which goes back to feudal times. During that period, the title would be bestowed on those who pledged loyalty in exchange for protection or land, making them a peer of the realm. Today, it is used for relatives of the monarch.

Titles are decided by the ruler of England (in this case Queen Elizabeth II), when a relative either comes of age or gets married.

The Queen can choose from five titles for a man -- duke, marquess, earl, viscount or baron -- and for a woman -- duchess, marchioness, countess, viscountess and baroness. Dukedom is the highest of all five.

Marquesses, earls, viscounts and barons are all addressed as 'Lord X', where 'X' represents either their territory or surname pertaining to their title. Marchionesses, countesses, viscountesses and baronesses are all addressed as 'Lady X'. Dukes and duchesses are addressed just as 'Duke' or 'Duchess' or, in a non-social context, 'Your Grace'.

Typically, family members are given the titles of Duke and Duchess, but the Queen can choose to bestow more than one title.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement