We are all ecstatic about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement, but there’s still one question lingering on our minds: what will her title be?
Royal dukedoms are the highest titles in British peerage, so Prince Henry of Wales (I know, Harry’s name is actually Henry!!) will most likely be given a dukedom, though he could become an earl like his uncle, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Dukes receive their titles when they reach a certain age or, more often nowadays, when they get married. When William married, he went from Prince William of Wales to the Duke of Cambridge. If Harry does not receive a title (which is very unlikely), Meghan will become HRH, Princess Henry of Wales.
The actress will probably become the first Duchess of Sussex, Us Weekly reports. The Daily Mirror even had a source back in 2011 say that the Dukedom of Sussex had been reserved for Harry, just months after his older brother wed. That means her full title would be HRH, the Duchess of Sussex.
The last person to hold the title of the Duke of Sussex was Prince Augustus Frederick until his death in 1843. Even though he was married twice, neither of his wives held the title because his father did not approve of the marriages.
Another possible title Meghan could take would be the Duchess of Windsor. The last woman to hold the title was another American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.
Edward VIII was given the title of the Duke of Windsor after he abdicated the throne and controversially married Wallis. The title became extinct after Edward died in 1976.
Meghan could even become the Duchess of York and Albany – though that particular dukedom has in the past only been held by people who never had male heirs. It is possible the royal family would be averse to giving out that title because of its negative association.
However, because the Dukedom of York and Albany was usually given to the second son of the monarch, possibly it has been long enough (it was last used in the 18th century) that Charles' second son could take it over.
And what will their kids be called? Well, their children will be known as either Lords or Ladies, since the title of Prince and Princess is reserved for only Prince William's children as he is the eldest. Harry and Meghan may, however, want to free their children from the duties of being royal, and so the parents could request that their kids not be awarded titles at all.
However, they’ll still have a royal family!
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