The Single Peer

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21 February, 2011

Earl of the Hour:
Charles Edward Maurice Spencer,
9th Earl Spencer

Born in 1964 (20 May), this 46-year-old earl (pictured below) is the younger brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales and uncle to HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales (28; born 21 June, 1982), heir of the heir apparent to the throne, and HRH Prince Henry “Harry” Charles Albert David of Wales (26; born 15 September, 1984).

Earl Spencer was educated at Eton and Oxford, is the holder of five noble titles, including the earldom, and is worth an estimated ₤100 million. A man with a past, the notorious earl is twice divorced (1997; 2009) in heavily publicized proceedings, with both wives making allegations of infidelity. His third wife is slated to be Canadian divorcée Karen Gordon (38; née Villeneuve). The couple announced their engagement on 15 February, 2011, and the wedding is to take place at Earl Spencer’s estate at Althorp on 18 June, 2011.

Until the "I do" is final, however, he is still a "single peer," and, particularly in Earl Spencer’s case, one can’t really blame us for profiling him. Perhaps the 3rd-and-a-half time's a charm? Earl Spencer’s engagement and subsequent split in the same year from prospective third wife Bianca, Lady Eliot, earned him the #6 ranking on The Single Peer's 2010 Ten Lords-a-Leaping list.

Earl Spencer has written a number of books related to his family’s history and estate. He has been a TV news correspondent and has been involved in numerous charitable and humanitarian endeavors, an interest he has in common with Mrs. Gordon. There is some speculation as to whether the couple will live at Althorp or in California, which would facilitate Mrs. Gordon’s work as founder and CEO of Whole Child International. Earl Spencer lived in South Africa for many years with his first wife and their children, so this is not out of the question.

Earl Spencer has six children from his two previous marriages, including two sons, who will likely be in much demand when they come of age, given their breeding, wealth, and connections to the Royal Family. Earl Spencer’s two sons are his heir apparent, The Right Hon. Louis Frederick John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (16; born 14 March, 1994), and The Hon. Edmund Charles Spencer (7; born 6 October, 2003).

Earl Spencer

Addresses:

Althorp Park, Great Brington, Northamptonshire NN7 4HG

Spencer House, St James's, London SW1 (leased out)

Sources:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spencer,_9th_Earl_Spencer

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

The Single Peer - http://thesinglepeer.blogspot.com/2010/12/ten-lords-leaping.html

ThePeerage.com - http://www.thepeerage.com/p10089.htm#i100889

Royal News - http://www.angelfire.com/realm/gotha/news/2011_3.htm

The Aristo News - http://aristonews.blogspot.com/2009/08/fabulous-misadventures-of-earl-spencer.html

The Independent - http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/a-flighty-earl-and-his-women-1855301.html

The Daily Mail - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1358471/Shes-got-young-children-Hollywood-mogul-ex-issues-taxman--Has-Earl-Spencer-finally-met-match-Million-Dollar-Divorcee.html

RoyaList Online - http://www.royalist.info/execute/biog?person=916

Nobiliana - http://www.nobiliana.de/forum/index.php?/topic/63299-spencervilleneuve/page__p__123351__hl__%2Bearl+%2Bspencer__fromsearch__1#entry123351

Conqueror - http://www.william1.co.uk/w81.htm#w81l25

Reuters - http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/02/15/uk-britain-wedding-spencer-idUKTRE71E2U720110215

The Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/8327471/Earl-Spencer-to-marry-for-third-time-after-announcing-engagement-to-Canadian-divorcee.html

Althorp - http://www.althorp.com/

Burke’s - http://www.burkespeerage.com/Search/FullRecord.aspx?ID=12875

CBS News - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/20/entertainment/main2587093.shtml

12 February, 2011

Perennial Prince:
HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales

Born in 1982 (21 June), this 28-year-old prince (pictured below) is the elder 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 William is second in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and 15 other independent states.

The most eligible bachelor in the world, his ineligibility will at last be official with his marriage on 29 April, 2001 to long-standing girlfriend Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton, 29 (born 9 January, 1982). The couple announced their engagement on 16 November, 2010 and set their wedding date shortly thereafter. Prince William's launch into engaged status earned him the #1 ranking on The Single Peer's 2010 Ten Lords-a-Leaping list.

Following in his family’s footsteps, the young prince supports many charities and carries out official duties on behalf of the Royal Family, when not away for military service. He enjoys polo and skiing, loves football, and participates in a number of outdoor activities. Prince William is currently serving as a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF.

His younger brother, HRH Prince Henry “Harry” Charles Albert David of Wales (26; born 15 September 1984) will shortly be the most eligible man in the land.

Addresses:

Clarence House

London SW1A 1BA

(+44) (0)20 7930 4832

Anglesey, Wales

Sources:

Wikipedia - 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/ten-lords-leaping.html

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

San Francisco Sentinel - http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32155

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

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

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).