Duke of York and Albany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Duke of York and Albany
Arms of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany
Appointer	Monarch of Great Britain
Term length	Life tenure or until accession as Sovereign
Inaugural holder	Prince Ernest Augustus
Formation	1716

The Duke of York and Albany was a special title given to important people in Great Britain. It was a title of nobility, which means it was for members of the royal family or very high-ranking families. This title was created three times in the 1700s. It was usually given to the second son of the British king or queen. Before this, there were separate titles like Duke of York and Duke of Albany.

What Was the Duke of York and Albany?

The title "Duke of York and Albany" was a special rank in the British peerage system. This system is how noble titles like Duke, Earl, or Baron are organized. The title was often given to the second son of the king or queen. This tradition started because the separate titles of Duke of York and Duke of Albany were often given to the monarch's second son.

History of the Title

The title "Duke of York and Albany" was created three times. Each time, it was given to a different prince.

The First Duke (1716-1728)

The first person to be called Duke of York and Albany was Prince Ernest Augustus. He was the youngest brother of King George I. King George I was the ruler of Great Britain at the time. Prince Ernest Augustus held the title from 1716 until he passed away in 1728. He did not have any children, so the title ended with him.

The Second Duke (1760-1767)

The title was created again for Prince Edward. He was the younger brother of King George III. King George III was another British monarch. Prince Edward became Duke of York and Albany in 1760. He also passed away without having any children in 1767. This meant the title ended again.

The Third Duke (1784-1827)

The third and last time the title was created was for Prince Frederick Augustus. He was the second son of King George III. Prince Frederick was a very important person. He was in charge of the British Army for many years. He is also famous from a popular children's rhyme called "The Grand Old Duke of York". Prince Frederick held the title from 1784 until he passed away in 1827. He also did not have any children who could inherit the title.

Each time the title of Duke of York and Albany was created, it was held by only one person. And each of these dukes passed away without any children who could legally inherit the title. This is why the title no longer exists today. Later, other princes were given the single titles of Duke of Albany or Duke of York. For example, Queen Victoria gave the title Duke of Albany to her son, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in 1881. She also gave the title Duke of York to her grandson, Prince George, in 1892.

Family Tree

Images for kids

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  Prince Ernest Augustus, the first Duke of York and Albany.

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  Prince Edward, the second Duke of York and Albany.

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  Prince Frederick, the third and last Duke of York and Albany.