Duke of Norfolk facts for kids
The Duke of Norfolk is a very important and old title in the United Kingdom. The person who holds this title is a special kind of aristocrat or noble, called a peer. This means they belong to a group of people with high social rank, often with a long family history.
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Who is the Duke of Norfolk?
The Duke of Norfolk is the highest-ranking duke in the Peerage of England. This means they are considered the most senior duke in England, after members of the Royal Family. It's a very old and respected position.
What is a Duke?
A duke is a noble with one of the highest ranks. The word "duke" comes from a Latin word meaning "leader". Dukes usually have a large estate or land associated with their title.
What is a Peer?
A peer is a member of the peerage, which is a system of noble titles. In the UK, peers can sit in the House of Lords, which is part of the country's parliament.
Important Roles and Duties
One of the most special jobs of the Duke of Norfolk is being the Earl Marshal. This is a very old and important position.
The Earl Marshal
The Earl Marshal is in charge of organizing big national events. These include things like coronations (when a new king or queen is crowned) and state funerals. It's a role that has been passed down in the Duke of Norfolk's family for many centuries.
Working in the House of Lords
As a peer, the Duke of Norfolk is a member of the House of Lords. This is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. Members of the House of Lords discuss new laws and important issues.
A Historic Family Home
The family home of the Duke of Norfolk is Arundel Castle. This amazing castle is located in West Sussex, England.
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle is a famous historic castle that has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years. It's a beautiful place with a lot of history.
Family Faith and History
The family of the Duke of Norfolk has been Catholic for a very long time. This was sometimes difficult in England's history. They helped pay for the building of Arundel Cathedral, which is a large and beautiful Catholic church.
The Title's Long History
The title of Duke of Norfolk is one of the oldest in England. It has a rich and interesting past.
How the Title Began
The title of Duke of Norfolk was first created in 1397. Over the centuries, different people have held the title. Some dukes have played very important roles in English history.
The Current Duke
As of 2013, the person holding the title is the 18th Duke of Norfolk. His name is Edward Fitzalan-Howard. He became the Duke in 2002.
Images for kids
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John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk (3rd Creation)
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18th Duke of Norfolk, then the Earl of Arundel, at Carlton Towers, 1981
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Mary (née Blount), Duchess of Norfolk, after whom Norfolk Island was named
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Miles Fitzalan-Howard, 17th Duke of Norfolk
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12th Duke of Norfolk shown wearing the star and sash of the Order of the Garter
See also
In Spanish: Ducado de Norfolk para niños
