Duke and Duchess of York

Duke and Duchess of York is a title of nobility in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, traditionally conferred upon the second son of the reigning British monarch. The dukedom has been created eight times since the 14th century, most recently for Prince Andrew in 1986. The title is strongly associated with the House of York and its role in the Wars of the Roses, and its holders have often undertaken significant military, vice-regal, and public duties across the British Empire.

History of the title

The title was first created in 1385 for Edmund of Langley, the fourth surviving son of King Edward III and Philippa of Hainault. This established the House of York, a cadet branch of the House of Plantagenet, whose rivalry with the House of Lancaster precipitated the Wars of the Roses. The title merged with the Crown in 1461 when the 3rd Duke became King Edward IV. Subsequent creations were made for second sons of monarchs, including Henry VIII's son Henry and James I's son Charles, who both ascended the throne, causing the title to merge again. The modern tradition of granting it to the sovereign's second son was solidified in the 18th century. The title has also been associated with military command, notably with Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces and is commemorated by The Monument and the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York".

List of Dukes of York

The following is a list of the primary creations of the Dukedom of York. * First Creation (1385): Edmund of Langley, also Earl of Cambridge. * Second Creation (1414): Richard of Conisburgh, who was executed for his role in the Southampton Plot. * Third Creation (1474): Richard of Shrewsbury, one of the Princes in the Tower. * Fourth Creation (1494): Henry Tudor, later King Henry VIII. * Fifth Creation (1605): Charles Stuart, later King Charles I. * Sixth Creation (1644): James Stuart, later King James II. * Seventh Creation (1892): Prince George, later King George V. * Eighth Creation (1920): Prince Albert, later King George VI. * Ninth Creation (1986): Prince Andrew.

List of Duchesses of York

Notable Duchesses of York have included: * Cecily Neville, wife of the 3rd Duke (first creation), mother of Edward IV and Richard III. * Anne Hyde, first wife of the future James II. * Mary of Teck, wife of the future King George V, later Queen Mary. * Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, wife of the future King George VI, later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. * Sarah Ferguson, wife of the current Duke, Prince Andrew.

Current holders

The current holders are Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York. Prince Andrew is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He served in the Royal Navy, seeing action during the Falklands War, and later acted as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. The Duke and Duchess married in 1986 at Westminster Abbey and have two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie; they divorced in 1996. As the title can only pass to male heirs, it will become extinct upon Prince Andrew's death and revert to The Crown.

Residences and roles

The official residence of the Duke and Duchess is Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, which has been the Duke's home since 2004. Previous official residences included York Cottage on the Sandringham Estate and The Albany in London. Historically, Dukes of York have held significant military appointments, such as Prince Frederick's command during the French Revolutionary Wars, and vice-regal positions, like the future King George V serving as Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Duchess of York has been involved with numerous charities, including Children in Crisis and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Category:Dukes of York Category:British dukedoms