The Single Peer: duke

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28 December, 2011

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

19 July, 2011

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

06 March, 2011

Duke of the Day:
HRH The Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, Duke of York

Born in 1960 (19 February), this 51-year-old duke and royal prince (pictured below) is the second son and third child of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke of York is fourth in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and 15 other independent states.

HRH Prince Andrew was created Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh upon his marriage in 1986 to Sarah Ferguson. Divorced from Sarah, Duchess of York, in 1996, the Duke of York has two daughters from that marriage, HRH The Princess Beatrice and HRH The Princess Eugenie. However, as he currently has no sons, he has no heir to the dukedom of York. Interestingly, since the first creation of the title in the year 1385, there has never been a Duke of York succeeded lifelong by his son. The dukes have either become king (e.g. Henry VIII, George V, George VI), died without a male heir (e.g. Richard of Shrewsbury), or had a male heir who became king upon the death of an uncle (e.g. Edward IV).

The present Duke of York is unarguably one of the most eligible men in the world. Among dukes, only the Duke of Wellington (95; widowed) and Duke of Fife (81; divorced) are currently unmarried. Not only is the Duke of York substantially younger and more suitable than the other two, but he is also the only unmarried Duke who is also a royal prince. Additionally, he and the Duke of Leinster (62; married) are the only dukes without living male heirs. In fact, with the impending marriage of his nephew, HRH The Prince William of Wales (28), the Duke of York’s supremacy as a suitor is trumped only by that of another nephew, HRH The Prince Henry “Harry” of Wales (26), third in the line of succession – and admittedly not a likely direct romantic competitor.

Educated at the Royal Naval College, the Duke of York served for 22 years in the Royal Navy, primarily as a helicopter pilot, and served in the Falklands War. Today, he supports many charities and carries out official duties on behalf of the Royal Family. Since 2001, he has also served as UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, meeting with world leaders and heads of state and speaking at conferences, such as the World Economic Forum. This has sometimes been a controversial role.

A devoted father, the Duke of York is known to spend considerable time with his two daughters and is on good terms with his former wife, including her in family outings to the extent it is feasible and rescuing her from brushes with impropriety and financial misfortune. Although it is not thought likely that he will remarry, one can never tell. We will not discount the possibility of a new wife in the Duke of York’s future or the birth of a son and heir to the dukedom of York, an addition to the line of succession.

HRH The Duke of York

Addresses:

Buckingham Palace, London SW1 1AA

Sources:

The British Monarchy - http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheDukeofYork/Background.aspx

The RoyaList - http://www.royalist.info/execute/biog?person=729

Conqueror - http://www.william1.co.uk/w95.htm#w95l20

The Duke of York - http://www.thedukeofyork.org/Home/Home.aspx

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

The Single Peer – http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-peer-of-year-arthur-valerian.html

Google Peerage News - http://groups.google.com/group/peerage-news/browse_thread/thread/b415a76a37f4a158/e17fef1c8487f898?lnk=gst&q=bowmont#e17fef1c8487f898

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p10071.htm#i100707

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

22 January, 2011

Heir of the Hour:
Lord John William Douglas-Hamilton, brother of The 16th Duke of Hamilton and 13th Duke of Brandon

Born in 1979 (2 October), this 29-year-old Scottish nobleman (photo below) is the heir presumptive of his brother, Alexander Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, who succeeded their father last year to the double dukedoms of Hamilton and Brandon. As his brother is shortly to be wed, The Lord John William Douglas-Hamilton is not likely to remain the ducal heir for long, but, nevertheless, as a duke’s son and brother he will retain a generous inheritance and envious connections.

Known professionally as “Johnny” Douglas-Hamilton, this young peer is internationally known in Motocross circles for his sought-after track designs. A former British Championship racer, he is now considered a premier circuit builder and designer, responsible for tackling many a British Grand Prix and FIM World Championship site.

As to Johnny’s personal history, he is likely to have been educated in Scotland, as was his brother. His relationships have not been well publicized, and he is presumed to be single as of this writing.

Addresses:

Lennoxlove House, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 4NZ

Tel: 01620 823720

Archerfield, by Dirleton, East Lothian EH39 5HQ

Tel: 01620 850298

"Johnny" Douglas-Hamilton

Track View - Sun City SA '05

Sources:

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

ACU Bikesport GB - http://www.acu.org.uk/News/2005/05/BRITISH-GRAND-PRIX-COUNTDOWN/

Dirt Bike Rider - http://www.dirtbikerider.co.uk/content_database/3771/index

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p11021.htm#i110207

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/10/duke-of-day-alexander-douglas-douglas.html

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=6037

FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=649017023

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

The Independent - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/the-duke-of-hamilton-premier-peer-of-scotland-who-raced-cars-and-flew-reconnaissance-missions-over-malaya-1994891.html

09 January, 2011

Earl of the Hour:
Michael Bruce John Murray,
Earl of Strathtay and Strathardle

Born in 1985 (5 March), this 25-year-old nobleman (no photo available) is the elder son and heir of The Marquess of Tullibardine, who is the heir apparent of The Duke of Atholl. One day, Lord Strathtay will presumably inherit the dukedom and approximately ten titles and follow his grandfather and father as the Chief of the Murray Clan. He also stands to one day inherit 140,000 acres of property with an almost 800 year history, including the 120-room Blair Castle.

Blair Castle is a five-star, world-class visitor attraction. It is Scotland’s most visited private home, displaying unique treasures from the 16th century to the present day, including beautiful furniture, paintings, arms and armour, and china.

The present Duke of Atholl and his immediate family, including his grandson, Lord Strathtay, were born and raised in South Africa. His Grace succeeded a distant cousin to the title in 1996. Although His Grace still lives in South Africa, he has been able to visit Blair Castle regularly since he succeeded to the title and serves as Colonel of the Atholl Highlanders, who are the only remaining private army in Europe, having been granted the right to bear arms in the 1840s by Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Like his father and uncle, Lord Strathtay and his brother, Lord David Nicholas George Murray (born 31 January, 1986; 25; presumed single), are also commissioned officers in the regiment. Lord Strathtay joined the regiment in 2007.

Lord Strathtay studied at Stanford College, spent two years in London, then studied sports science at the University of Pretoria, specializing in mountain climbing, rugby, squash, and cricket. As of March 2010, he was working and living in London. On 28 and 29 May, 2011, Lord Strathtay will likely take part in the Atholl Gathering, an annual event at Blair Castle that features the Atholl Highlanders.

Blair Castle

Lt. The Marquis of Tullibardine Lord Bruce Murray and the Marchioness (far left) and friends

Address:

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH18 5TL

PO Box 1522, Louis Trichardt, 0920 S. Africa (The Marquess of Tullibardine)

Sources:

VisitScotland Perthshire - http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?pg=318

Burke’s Peerage, 107^th Edition - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=491

Cracroft’s Peerage - http://www.cracroftpeerage.co.uk/online/

Murray Clan Society - http://www.clanmurray.org/septs.html

Blair Castle - http://www.blairatholl.org.uk/index.html; http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Murray,_11th_Duke_of_Atholl

The Sunday Times - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article7069639.ece

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p4282.htm

AllExperts - http://www.associatepublisher.com/e/d/du/duke_of_atholl.htm

The Transvaal Scottish Regiment http://www.hygitek.com/Transvaal%20Scottish%20-%20Friendly%20Red%20Hackle/04-2010%20Friendly%20Red%20Hackle%204.htm

31 December, 2010

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/

23 December, 2010

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

18 December, 2010

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).