Duke of York

Duke of York is a title of nobility in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, traditionally bestowed upon the second son of the reigning British monarch. Since the 15th century, the title has been created eight times, with its holders often playing significant roles in the political and military history of England and later Great Britain. The current and most notable modern holder is Prince Andrew, Duke of York, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. The dukedom is associated with several historic royal residences and carries a distinctive coat of arms.

History

The title was first created in 1385 for Edmund of Langley, the fourth surviving son of King Edward III. Throughout its history, the dukedom has frequently merged with the crown, often when a Duke of York ascended the throne. The most famous early merger occurred when Edward, Duke of York, became King Edward IV in 1461, following the Wars of the Roses. Another significant holder was James Stuart, Duke of York, who reigned as King James II; his deposition during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a pivotal constitutional moment. In the 18th century, Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany, brother of King George III, died without issue. The title was revived in the 20th century for King George V's second son, Prince Albert, Duke of York, who unexpectedly became King George VI after the abdication of Edward VIII. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, later bestowed the title upon her second son, Prince Andrew, in 1986.

List of Dukes of York

The following is a list of the creations of the Dukedom of York. * First Creation (1385): Edmund of Langley, also Earl of Cambridge. * Second Creation (1414): Richard of Conisburgh, also Earl of Cambridge. * 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. * Duke of York and Albany (1716): A combined title created in the Peerage of Great Britain for Prince Ernest Augustus and later Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany. * Seventh Creation (1760): Prince Edward, Duke of York and Albany. * Eighth Creation (1892): Prince George, Duke of York, later King George V. * Ninth Creation (1920): Prince Albert, Duke of York, later King George VI. * Tenth Creation (1986): Prince Andrew, Duke of York, the current holder.

Family tree

A simplified lineage shows the title's path through the House of Plantagenet, the House of Stuart, and the House of Windsor. Edmund of Langley was the father of Richard of Conisburgh, whose son Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses and father to Edward IV and Richard III. The Stuart line continued through James I's son, Charles I. In the modern era, the title descended from Queen Victoria through her son Edward VII to George V, who passed it to his second son. The current duke is a direct descendant of George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Residences and estates

Historically, Dukes of York have been associated with several important properties. Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park has been a residence for holders since George VI occupied it as Duke. The current Duke, Prince Andrew, used it as his official residence. Another significant property is Buckingham Palace, which becomes the sovereign's residence when a Duke ascends the throne, as happened with George VI. The Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown Estate have historically provided revenue, though the modern Duke's finances are separate. The title also has a long association with York and the surrounding county of Yorkshire.

Titles, styles, and arms

The full style of the current Duke is His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. As a child of the sovereign, he is styled His Royal Highness. The traditional coat of arms for the Duke of York features the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom differenced with a label of three points argent, the centre point charged with an anchor azure, a reference to his naval service. This heraldic design is similar to that used by previous holders like Albert, Duke of York. The College of Arms oversees the granting and use of these armorial bearings. The duke's standard, flown at his residences, incorporates these heraldic elements. Category:Dukes of York Category:British dukedoms