Duke facts for kids

A Duke is a very important title for someone in the nobility. In countries with a monarchy, like the United Kingdom, this title is official. It usually passes down from father to son.

The first English dukes were created by King Edward III in 1337. He gave his oldest son, Edward, the Black Prince, the title of Duke of Cornwall.

What is a Duke?

A Duke is a high-ranking member of the nobility. This means they are part of a special group of families with old titles. In many countries, dukes have historically held important positions.

How to Address a Duke

When you talk about a Duke formally, you say 'The Duke of (place name)'. For example, 'The Duke of Cornwall'. When you speak directly to a Duke, you would say "Your Grace".

Where Dukes Rank

On special occasions, like the opening of Parliament, people stand or walk in a certain order. This is called the order of precedence. Dukes rank below Royal Dukes (who are usually close relatives of the King or Queen). They rank above Earls.

Dukedom and Duchess

The official position or area ruled by a Duke is called a dukedom.

The Duchess

The wife of a Duke is called a Duchess. This is an honorary title. It is given to her for life when she marries a Duke. If a Duchess divorces and marries someone without a title, her children from that marriage will not have titles.

Children of a Duke

Children born to a Duke and Duchess usually have honorary titles. The oldest son might get a special "junior title". This title might have been given to an ancestor before the dukedom was created. Other children are called 'Lady' (for daughters) or 'Lord' (for sons). For example, 'Lady Jane' or 'Lord James'. They use the family's last name, not the name of the dukedom.

What is a Duchy?

Historically, a duchy was the land or territory ruled by a Duke. When a Duke passes away, his eldest son usually inherits the duchy. The word "duke" comes from the Latin word "dux". This Latin word means "leader".

Images for kids

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  In the 1260s Birger Jarl wore a ducal crown. He used the Latin title Dux Sweorum, which means Duke of Sweden. His crown looked like those used by dukes in Europe and England.

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  Bishop Benedict (1254–1291) was the son of Princess Ingeborg of Sweden and Birger Jarl. He became the first Duke of Finland.

See also

In Spanish: Duque para niños