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

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/

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

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

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

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

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/