Peer of the Year: HRH Prince Henry Charles Albert David “Harry” of Wales

After giving careful thought to this year’s honoree, we could not resist an opportunity to profile one who is beloved by many and who is often overshadowed by his brother (whose engagement earned him the #1 ranking in 2010 on The Single Peer's Ten Lords-a-Leaping list and whose marriage then earned him a #1 ranking again in 2011).

Born in 1984 (15 September), this 27-year-old prince (pictured below) is the younger son of The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales and a grandson of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  Prince Harry is third in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and 15 other independent states.

Prince Harry attended Eton and Sandhurst, earning a commission as an officer in the British Army.  He then famously served in Afghanistan, a tour of duty for which he received the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan.  He follows in the footsteps of his uncle, HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York (51; born 19 February, 1960), who served in a war zone during the Falklands War.  In 2010, Prince Harry received his wings, deciding to fly attack helicopters for the Army Air Corps.

Now the most eligible bachelor in the world, Prince Harry is obviously the subject of much speculation.  Despite his reputation as something of a bad boy and ladies’ man, he clearly has not dated every female in the U.K., despite tabloids that increasingly link his name to anyone with whom he comes in contact.  Pippa Middleton (28; born 6 September, 1983), sister to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, his sister-in-law, has been presented as a candidate for girlfriend by the tabloid press.  On Prince Harry’s recent two-month sojourn in the United States for Apache helicopter training, any female who so much as served him drinks in Arizona, California, or Nevada was discussed as a potential girlfriend.  Interestingly, earlier this month, within days of his return to the U.K., he was spotted out and about in Chelsea with former long-term flame, Chelsy Davy (26; born 13 October, 1985).  Their relationship has been on-and-off since 2004, and, given that he announced his single status publicly earlier in the year, many wonder if they are simply friends now, or if one or both of them can’t make up their minds about their status and commit.  Of course, his military service and training could also be having an effect on his romantic life.

Very fit and active, in addition to his military training, Prince Harry enjoys polo, rugby, motocross, and skiing.  He follows in his family’s footsteps by supporting charities - often sports-related, as evidenced by his 2011 trek to the North Pole.  He also carries out official duties on behalf of the Royal Family, when not away for military service.  Prince Harry is continuing his military training, with 4-6 months ahead of him at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk until he could be combat-ready for possible deployment.

Address:

Clarence House

London SW1A 1BA

(+44) (0)20 7930 4832

Sources:

Access Hollywood - http://www.accesshollywood.com/prince-harry-and-ex-girlfriend-chelsy-davy-reunite-in-london_article_57509

Third Age - http://www.thirdage.com/news/prince-harry-of-wales-returns-to-england_11-29-2011

Wikipedia -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_harry; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsy_Davy; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pippa_Middleton

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/ten-lords-leaping.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_harry; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2011/02/perennial-prince-hrh-prince-william.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2011/03/duke-of-day-hrh-prince-andrew-albert.html

The British Monarchy - http://www.royal.gov.uk/

Bumpshack - http://bumpshack.com/2011/06/17/prince-harry-to-go-back-to-war/

BBC - http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/51940000/jpg/_51940723_royal.jpg

Ten Lords-a-Leaping -- 2011

As we dim the lights on the holiday season and the year also draws to a close, let us take time to briefly celebrate our top Ten Lords-a-Leaping – peers who have all leapt into the realms of engagement, marriage, divorce, or fatherhood in 2011.

This year, we have several repeat honorees – how could we ignore them?  They have been very busy gentlemen, indeed…

# 1 HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge, 29, second in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and 15 other independent states.  He topped our 2010 list for his long-awaited engagement to the former Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton, also 29 (until next month), now HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.  The elder son of The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, tops our list yet again for his internationally celebrated marriage.  Just before the wedding on 29 April, 2011, Prince William was created Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus.

# 2 The Duke of Hamilton (16th) and Brandon (13th), Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 33.  This Scottish double-duke and the Premier Peer of Scotland was profiled previously for his engagement.  On 7 May, 2011, His Grace was married to Sophie Ann Rutherford, 35.

# 3 The Duke of Grafton (12th), Henry Oliver Charles Fitzroy, 33.  His Grace succeeded his 92-year-old grandfather to the dukedom on 7 April, 2011, since his father, The Earl of Euston, predeceased his grandfather in 2009.  His Grace, formerly known as Viscount Ipswich, was honoured in our listing last year for his engagement and marriage to Olivia Margaret M. Sladen, now The Duchess of Grafton, 33.

# 4 The Duke of Norfolk (18th), Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 55.  His Grace, England’s Premier Duke (and Earl), is our first new addition to the Ten Lords-a-Leaping list.  He and his wife announced their separation in April 2011, after 24 years of marriage and five children.  Their separation is rumoured to be permanent, with their Catholic faith serving as an impediment to divorce.  There are purportedly no significant others impatiently pressing them towards a church annulment and/or action in the courts.  While we extend our condolences to them both during this difficult time, as a separated man, His Grace is now eligible and a “Single Peer.”

# 5 The Marquess of Bowmont & Cessford, Charles Robert George Innes-Ker, 30, heir to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe.  Lord Bowmont, listed previously for his 2010 engagement, was married on 22 July, 2011 to The Hon. Charlotte Susanna Aitken, 29, the elder daughter of Lord Beaverbrook.  The Marchioness of Bowmont & Cessford is the second of the 1st Baron Beaverbrook’s descendants to be slated as a future duchess, as Lady Bowmont’s cousin, The Countess of Mornington, should one day be The Duchess of Wellington.  She is married to the present duke’s grandson (heir of the heir).

# 6 The Earl of Cardigan, David Michael James Brudenell-Bruce, 59, heir to the 8th Marquess of Ailesbury.  Profiled in 2010 for his divorce from his wife of 25 years, Lord Cardigan remarried in May 2011.  Lady Cardigan, an American real estate developer, was the former Ms. Joanne Hill, 46, whom he met in therapy in Arizona.  She has a son from her previous marriage, and the earl has two from his, including his heir, Viscount Savernake (b. 11 February, 1982, single).  Lord Cardigan’s famous kinsman led the Charge of the Light Brigade, which would certainly have gotten him on our Ten Lords-a-Leaping List in 1854, had we been publishing at that time.

# 7 The Earl Spencer, Charles Edward Maurice Spencer, 47.  The 9th Earl Spencer made our list in 2010 for his engagement to Lady Bianca Eliot and for breaking off that same engagement later in the year.  This year, we celebrate Lord Spencer’s marriage to Canadian philanthropist, Karen Gordon, on 18 June 2011 at Althorp House.  The Countess Spencer, 39, is the earl’s third wife, and he is her second husband.

# 8 The Earl of Pembroke (18th) and Earl of Montgomery (15th), William Alexander Sidney Herbert, 33.  Lord Pembroke was celebrated last year for his marriage to his long-time girlfriend, Victoria "Tori" Bullough, 26.  On 3 April, 2011, he and The Countess of Pembroke welcomed their first child, Lady Alexandra Eloise Ekaterina Herbert.  As they have only the one daughter at present, Lord Pembroke’s heir presumptive remains The Earl of Carnarvon, who colourfully is the inheritor of “King Tut’s Curse,” uncle to royal insider Jakie James “Jake” Warren, and the real-life owner of the estate we know as Downton Abbey.

# 9 The Viscount Raynham, Thomas Charles Townshend, 34, heir to the 8th Marquess Townshend.  Lord Raynham, listed in 2010 for succeeding to his courtesy title and becoming engaged, married interior designer Octavia Legge, 31, of Kingsclere, Hampshire at St. Mary’s Church on 4 September, 2011.  Lord Raynham is reported to work for Knight Frank.

#10 The Viscount Lascelles, Alexander Edgar Lascelles, 31, heir apparent of the 8th Earl of Harewood.  On 11 July, 2011, Lord Lascelles succeeded to his courtesy title, his father having succeeded his paternal grandfather as the 8th Earl of Harewood.  The 7th Earl of Harewood was a son of Princess Mary, Princess Royal, and a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.  Lord Lascelles is approximately 52nd in line to the British throne, as a result of the family connection.

The Earl and Countess of Pembroke

The Viscount and Viscountess Raynham

Sources:

The Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1193774/Earl-Cardigans-messy-marriage-comes-end.html; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1380889/Royal-Wedding-Chelsy-Davy-follows-Kate-Middletons-footsteps-Kings-Road.html; http://www.dailymail.co. uk/femail/article-1313503/Earl-Spencer-calls-wedding-Bianca-Eliot-whirlwind-engagement.html; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1376614/Duke-wife-separate.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Herbert,_18th_Earl_of_Pembroke;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_FitzRoy,_12th_Duke_of_Grafton;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William,_Duke_of_Cambridge;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Douglas-Hamilton,_16th_Duke_of_Hamilton;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine,_Duchess_of_Cambridge; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Fitzalan-Howard,_18th_Duke_of_Norfolk;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell_Aitken,_3rd_Baron_Beaverbrook;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spencer,_9th_Earl_Spencer;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Gordon; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_of_Pembroke; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Lascelles,_Viscount_Lascelles; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lascelles,_8th_Earl_of_Harewood; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lascelles,_7th_Earl_of_Harewood

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/viscount-of-week-henry-oliver-charles.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/marquess-of-month-charles-robert-george.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/duke-of-day-alexander-douglas-douglas.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2011/02/perennial-prince-hrh-prince-william.html; http://www.thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2011/07/duke-of-day-edward-william-fitzalan.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2011/08/offspring-of-hour-jakie-james-warren.html

Peerage News - https://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/434dd9b997b54789/d3dd3bc9a3511d94?hl=en&lnk=gst&q=sladen+fitzroy&pli=1; http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/c28952ee4c5ddfe5

Kingsclere and Ashford Hill with Headley - http://www.clerewoodlands.org.uk/photos/gallery.php?gallery_id=4&pg=1;

ISOPIX - http://www.isopix.be/persfotos_photos-de-presse/viscountess-raynham-octavia-legge-14642927-pv.aspx

The Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/7954264/Claudia-Winkleman-has-a-backup-plan-in-the-wings.html; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/relationships/8585150/Earl-of-Cardigan-speaks-of-marriage-to-woman-he-met-in-therapy.html

ThePeerage.com - http://thepeerage.com/p43671.htm#i436704; http://thepeerage.com/p231.htm#i2303

Salisbury Journal - http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/journalnewsindex/8954099.Baby_girl_for_Lord_and_Lady_Pembroke/?ref=rss; http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/4291458.Earl_of_Pembroke_engaged/

Wargs - http://www.wargs.com/essays/succession/2011.html

Duke of the Day: Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk

In April 2011, after almost twenty-four years of marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk announced they were pursuing a trial separation.  Although, no intention to divorce has been published or other love interests named, this action on their part has caused much speculation that the couple intend their separation to be permanent.  As such, His Grace is, whether temporarily or permanently, a single peer and deserving of a profile here.  Subsequent events will naturally be of great interest to this blogger.  If a divorce follows, it will potentially be the first for this great line in hundreds of years.

Born in 1956 (2 December), this 54-year-old nobleman (pictured below, center) is England’s senior duke and the holder of nine other titles and property (West Sussex, London) worth as much as ₤100 million, including Arundel Castle.  The Duke of Norfolk additionally serves as Earl Marshal, Hereditary Marshal of England, and Chief Butler of England.  He is also the most senior lay member of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain.

His Grace attended Ampleforth College and Lincoln College, Oxford.  He was a Cub Scout in his youth and a race car driver, a passion shared by his eldest son and heir, “Henry Arundel.”  His Grace’s marriage to Her Grace produced five children, including The Lord Thomas Fitzalan-Howard (19; born 14 March, 1992), The Lord Philip Fitzalan-Howard (15; born 14 July, 1996), and the afore-mentioned Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel (born 3 December, 1987), who was profiled by The Single Peer last year: http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/earl-of-hour-henry-miles-fitzalan.html.

Address:

Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex BN18 9AB

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Fitzalan-Howard,_18th_Duke_of_Norfolk

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p6232.htm#i62313

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=10344

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/

The Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218628/Ten-dukes-dining-Gathered-lunch-unique-picture-grandees-2bn-340-000-acres-them.html ; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1376614/Duke-wife-separate.html

Arundel Castle - http://www.arundelcastle.org/_pages3_visitor_info.htm

Peerage News - http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/8d7b0796f72d6542/bb4363bc7ddde51f?lnk=gst&q=norfolk#bb4363bc7ddde51f

Westminster Cathedral - http://westminstercathedral.blogspot.com/2008/05/howard-collection.html

FlexiJourney - http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.flexijourney.com/blog/wp-content/photos/2010/04/CT-Arundel_Castle_on_a_Sunny_October_Day.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flexijourney.com/blog/85-beautiful-castles-in-europe/&usg=__7HW9KHi1p26LMpup2y3gN8nIU8w=&h=480&w=740&sz=75&hl=en&start=215&sig2=UMbYpifgHzT-iYpvj0dr2Q&zoom=1&tbnid=V5j-czzFE2SHSM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=188&ei=9w8MTcXrG8T68AaO183cDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhenry%2Barundel%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D571%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C4275&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=581&oei=1A8MTc_UAoT7lwedw9XBCw&esq=9&page=10&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:215&tx=58&ty=90&biw=1366&bih=571

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/earl-of-hour-henry-miles-fitzalan.html

2010 Peer of the Year: Arthur Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington

We could think of no better way to celebrate New Year's Eve than to proclaim the availability of a great man, great hero, and great benefactor: the 8th Duke of Wellington and our 2010 Peer of the Year!!!

Born in 1915 (2 July), this 95-year-old nobleman (pictured below) is the oldest living duke in the realm.  If the fates smile upon him, His Grace will pass the 97-year age record of the late 7th Duke of Grafton and would then be poised to become the first centenarian duke.

His Grace is ranked 5th in his seniority of succession to the ducal title (January 1972) and holds approximately a dozen other domestic and foreign titles.  Additionally, he owns a 7,000-acre Hampshire estate, a purported 20,000 acres in Belgium and Spain, and is estimated to be worth as much as ₤50 million.  His Grace is a veteran of World War II and had a long and decorated Army career, winning the Military Cross and attaining the rank of Brigadier.

His Grace was recently widowed, having regrettably lost his wife of almost 67 years on 1 November, 2010.  His Grace and Her Grace were the longest married ducal couple (from length of marriage, as opposed to from when he succeeded to the dukedom).  Together they had five children, including His Grace’s heir, The Marquess of Douro; 10 grandchildren, including Lord Douro’s heir, The Earl of Mornington; and an estimated 4 great-grandchildren, including Lord Mornington’s heir, Viscount Wellesley and his twin sister.

The Duke of Wellington holds many records in the ducal world.  Not only is he the oldest and, until recently, the longest married, but he also ties for the most children (five) and has the most sons (four).  His noble family is also the only one to have three direct heirs in the line of succession.  Lastly, he is the premier duke in the peerage of the United Kingdom.

As a widower of advanced age, it is unknown whether or not His Grace would welcome a romantic entanglement; however, His Grace is reported to be of robust health, and it would not be the first time that such has happened.  For example, The Duke of Beaufort married for the second time in 2000 at the age of 71, The Duke of Marlborough married for the fourth time in 2008 at the age of 82, and The Marquess of Queensbury married for the third time in 2000 as a recent father at approximately age 70.

What competition would the Duke of Wellington face, should he take up a romantic campaign?  Suitors of such high esteem are the favored few: HRH The Prince Andrew, Duke of York (50, divorced) and The Duke of Fife (81, divorced).

His Grace The Duke of Wellington

 

Addresses:

Park Corner House, Heckfield, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0LJ

Stratfield Saye House, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG27 0AS

Tel:  01256 882218

Apsley House, 149 Piccadilly, London W1V 9FA

Sources:

Peerage News – http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/37b6856c95000f23#; http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/9ed3601ba3d0e286/eb181ff538be9b1e?lnk=gst&q=duke+of+wellington#eb181ff538be9b1e; http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/b415a76a37f4a158/e17fef1c8487f898?lnk=gst&q=bowmont#e17fef1c8487f898

The Daily Mail – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218628/Ten-dukes-dining-Gathered-lunch-unique-picture-grandees-2bn-340-000-acres-them.html

Wikimedia – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8thDoW%28RLH%29b.JPG

World News – http://wn.com/Arthur_Wellesley,_8th_Duke_of_Wellington

Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_Wellesley,_8th_Duke_of_Wellington  

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/

Ten Lords-a-Leaping

As we celebrate the holiday season and the year also draws to a close, let us take time to briefly celebrate our top Ten Lords-a-Leaping – peers who have all leapt into the realms of engagement, marriage, divorce, or fatherhood in 2010.

# 1 HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, 28, second in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and 15 other independent states.  First in any elite listing and at the top of our Lords-a-Leaping is the elder son of The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.  Prince William announced his long-awaited engagement to girlfriend Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton, 28, on 23 November, 2010.  The much-publicized royal wedding will be held on 29 April, 2011.

# 2 The Duke of Hamilton (16th) and Brandon (13th), Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 32.  This Scottish double-duke announced his engagement to Sophie Ann Rutherford, 34, in March 2010.

#3 The Viscount Ipswich, Henry Oliver Charles Fitzroy, 32, heir of his grandfather, the 11th Duke of Grafton, since the death of Lord Ipswich’s father, The Earl of Euston.  Lord Ipswich was married to Olivia Margaret M. Sladen, 32, on 14 August, 2010 at Snowshill, Gloucestershire.

# 4 The Marquess of Bowmont & Cessford, Charles Robert George Innes-Ker, 29, heir to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe.  Lord Bowmont became engaged on 1 December, 2010 to The Hon. Charlotte Susanna Aitken.

# 5 The Earl of Cardigan, David Michael James Brudenell-Bruce, 58, heir to the 8th Marquess of Ailesbury.  After 18 bitter months, the Earl and Countess of Cardigan have this month finalized their divorce and ended their 28-year marriage.  Lord Cardigan is expected to become engaged to his American girlfriend, Ms. Joanne Hill, 44, at some time in the future.

# 6 The Earl Spencer, Charles Edward Maurice Spencer, 46.  The 9th Earl Spencer recently broke off his engagement to Bianca, Lady Eliot.  Lady Eliot, a 34-year-old widow, would have been his third wife.  Instead, his attention may turn to the wedding of his nephew, Prince William (see #1 above).

# 7 The Earl of Pembroke (18th), William Alexander Sidney Herbert, 32.  On 29 May, 2010, Lord Pembroke, who is also the 15th Earl of Montgomery and is worth over ₤150 million, married his long-time girlfriend Victoria “Tori” Bullough, 24.  The couple is already expecting their first child, a “honeymoon baby.”

# 8 The Viscount Raynham, Thomas Charles Townshend, 33, heir to the 8th Marquess Townshend.  Lord Raynham succeeded to his courtesy title earlier this year, upon his grandfather’s death and his father’s succession to the marquessate.  A busy year, in August 2010 the young viscount also became engaged to Miss Octavia Legge of Kingsclere, Hampshire.

# 9 The Earl of Mornington, Arthur Gerald Wellesley, 32, grandson and heir of the heir apparent of the 8th Duke of Wellington.  Lord Mornington and the Countess of Mornington welcomed twins in 2010, Lady Mae Madeleine Wellesley and Arthur Darcy Wellesley, Viscount Wellesley, who should one day also become The Duke of Wellington.

#10 The Earl of Mount Charles, Alexander Burton Conyngham, 35, heir apparent of the 8th Marquess Conyngham.  Lord Mount Charles and the Countess of Mount Charles welcomed a son in 2010, Rory Conyngham, Viscount Slane, who should one day also become The Marquess Conyngham.

The Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1193774/Earl-Cardigans-messy-marriage-comes-end.html; http://www.dailymail.co. uk/femail/article-1313503/Earl-Spencer-calls-wedding-Bianca-Eliot-whirlwind-engagement.html

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Herbert,_18th_Earl_of_Pembroke; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Wellesley,_Earl_of_Mornington; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Conyngham,_8th_Marquess_Conyngham; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William_of_Wales; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Middleton

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/viscount-of-week-henry-oliver-charles.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/marquess-of-month-charles-robert-george.html; http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/duke-of-day-alexander-douglas-douglas.html

Earl of the Hour: Henry Miles Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel

Born in 1987 (3 December), this 23-year-old nobleman (pictured below) is the eldest son and heir of the Duke of Norfolk, England’s senior duke, from whom he will one day inherit nine other titles and property worth as much as ₤100 million, including Arundel Castle.

Known as “Henry Arundel,” Lord Arundel is an economics student at Bristol University but is best recognized for his presence on the Formula racing circuit, including a 2007 third place finish in the Formula BMW UK.  He raced for Räikkönen Robertson Racing in 2008 and Carlin Motorsport in 2009.

The young earl also enjoys skiing, hiking, and climbing, primarily in Austria.  He is a fan of Oasis and Coldplay, and admires Roger Federer for his mental strength.  Lord Arundel has two single, younger brothers, The Lord Thomas Fitzalan-Howard (18) and The Lord Philip Fitzalan-Howard (14).

"Henry Arundel"

Arundel Castle

Address:

Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex BN18 9AB

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fitzalan-Howard,_Earl_of_Arundel

The Peerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p32727.htm#i327263

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=10344

The Mirror - http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/motorsport/2009/04/10/british-f3-international-series-2009-henry-arundel-driver-profile-115875-21268816/

Driver Database - http://www.driverdb.com/drivers/5191/

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/

The Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218628/Ten-dukes-dining-Gathered-lunch-unique-picture-grandees-2bn-340-000-acres-them.html

Arundel Castle - http://www.arundelcastle.org/_pages/03_visitor_info.htm

FlexiJourney - http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.flexijourney.com/blog/wp-content/photos/2010/04/CT-Arundel_Castle_on_a_Sunny_October_Day.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flexijourney.com/blog/85-beautiful-castles-in-europe/&usg=__7HW9KHi1p26LMpup2y3gN8nIU8w=&h=480&w=740&sz=75&hl=en&start=215&sig2=UMbYpifgHzT-iYpvj0dr2Q&zoom=1&tbnid=V5j-czzFE2SHSM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=188&ei=9w8MTcXrG8T68AaO183cDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhenry%2Barundel%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1366%26bih%3D571%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C4275&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=581&oei=1A8MTc_UAoT7lwedw9XBCw&esq=9&page=10&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:215&tx=58&ty=90&biw=1366&bih=571

Earl of the Hour: Robert Somerset, Earl of Glamorgan

Born in 1989 (20 January), this 21-year-old nobleman (no photo available) is the grandson of the Duke of Beaufort and the elder son of his heir, Henry John Fitzroy Somerset, Earl of Worcester.

The present Duke of Beaufort (11th) and his progeny are among the dwindling descendants in the male line of the House of Lancaster from the House Plantagenet.  The Earl of Worcester is a musician, farmer, and surveyor and is married to environmentalist and former actress Tracy-Louise Ward (sister of actress Rachel Ward), with whom he has three children.

As the elder son of The Lord Worcester, The Lord Glamorgan stands to one day inherit up to ₤200 million of property and investments, including the magnificent Badminton Estate, home of the world-famous Badminton Horse Trials and the site where the game of badminton was invented.

Little is publicized about the young earl, who is known as “Bobby Worcester” and is presumably finishing his education.  One day soon, he will be considered one of England’s most eligible bachelors.  He has one brother, The Lord Alexander “Xan” Somerset, who is approximately 15 and therefore also single.

Badminton House

Badminton House, West Front

Address:

Badminton House, Badminton, Gloucestershire GL9 1DB

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Somerset,_11th_Duke_of_Beaufort &                 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Badminton_House.jpg

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p1018.htm#i10173

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=912

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/

VisiWiki - http://viswiki.com/en/Tracy_Louise_Ward

World Lingo - http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/David_Somerset,_11th_Duke_of_Beaufort

The Badminton Estate - http://www.badmintonestate.co.uk/About_us.html

The DiCamillo Companion - http://www.dicamillocompanion.com/houses_detail.asp?ID=121

Viscount of the Week: Henry Oliver Charles Fitzroy, Viscount Ipswich

Punctuating our regular profiles of single peers, we must occasionally celebrate the marriage of one who has been formally or informally on our radar.  Convention not being what it was and divorce rates being what they are, we in no way lessen our best wishes and felicitations for a newly-married peer and his bride.  Should their love falter, we would note the returning availability of this peer; however, should their union triumph, we would equally rejoice in the birth of an heir!

The subject of our post today was born in 1978 (6 April).  This 32-year-old nobleman (no photo available) is the heir apparent to the Duke of Grafton, his grandfather, upon whose death he will inherit other titles; a vast, possibly as much as 20,000-acre estate in Norfolk that includes Euston Hall; and a singular art collection.

Lord Ipswich has not so far assumed the more senior courtesy title of the Earl of Euston, which was vacated when his father passed away in October of 2009.  Known as "Harry," Lord Ipswich was educated at Edinburgh University.  He plays the guitar and has been a radio personality in the United States.

Until recently, he was considered to be one of England’s most eligible bachelors.  His engagement to Olivia Margaret M. Sladen, 32 (born 1978), of Snowshill, Gloucestershire was announced this past April.  Their wedding is presumed to have taken place on 14 August, 2010 at Snowshill according to the local Village News.

Viscount Ipswich has no brothers, making his uncle, The Lord Charles Patrick Hugh Fitzroy, his presumptive successor.  The Lord Charles Fitzroy is married with two teenage sons, The Lord Nicholas “Nico” Fitzroy and The Lord George Fitzroy.

Addresses:

6 Vicarage Gdns, London W8 4AH

                              

Euston Hall, Euston, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2QW
Tel:  01842 753282

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Grafton

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p7049.htm#i70490

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=5567

Cracroft's Peerage - http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/
Peerage News - https://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/434dd9b997b54789/d3dd3bc9a3511d94?hl=en&lnk=gst&q=sladen+fitzroy#d3dd3bc9a3511d94
The Observer - http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2000/mar/12/rich.life11

The Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/7601895/Class-warrior-Lord-Mandelson-upsets-his-toffee-nosed-pals.html

North Cotswolds Village News - http://www.villagenews2010.org.uk/

Euston Hall - http://www.eustonhall.co.uk/