Earl of Strathearn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earldom of Strathearn |
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| Creation date | 12th century (ancient earls) 1562 (in the Peerage of Scotland) |
| Peerage | Peerage of Scotland; Peerage of the United Kingdom |
| First holder | Malise |
| Present holder | Prince William |
| Heir apparent | Prince George |
An Earl or Mormaer of Strathearn is a special title of Scottish nobility. It refers to the region of Strathearn in southern Perthshire, Scotland. The word "Mormaer" is an old Scottish title, similar to an Earl.
The first known person to hold this title was Malise I. He was mentioned in a document from around 1115. Malise I was a leader of Scottish people. He fought alongside King David at the Battle of the Standard in 1138.
The last ruler from the original Strathearn family was Malise. He was also the Earl of Caithness and Orkney. His title was taken away by King Edward Balliol. Later, in 1344, King David gave the title back. It went to Maurice de Moravia, who was a favourite of the king.
The Strathearn title has been used for other important people over time. For example, James Stewart, who was a son of King James V of Scotland, became Lord Abernethy and Strathearn in 1562.
The title has also been given to members of the royal family. These included the Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn (from 1766 to 1790), the Duke of Kent and Strathearn (from 1799 to 1820), and the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (from 1874 to 1943).
Most recently, on April 29, 2011, Queen Elizabeth II gave the title to Prince William of Wales. This happened when he married Catherine. She then became the Countess of Strathearn. Prince William used this title when he was in Scotland. In September 2022, he also received the title of Duke of Rothesay.
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Early Earls of Strathearn
The first Earls of Strathearn were known as Mormaers. They were powerful leaders in the region. Here are some of the early holders of the title:
- Malise I (around 1138)
- Ferteth (around 1160)
- Gille-Brigte or Gilbert (1171–1223)
- Robert (1223–1245)
- Malise II (1245–1271)
- Malise III (1271–1317)
- Malise IV (1317–1329)
- Malise V (1330–1334)
Later Earls of Strathearn
After the original family line, the title was held by different people.
- Maurice de Moravia, Earl of Strathearn (died 1346) received the title in 1344.
Later, the title passed through the Stewart and Graham families:
- Robert Stewart, Earl of Strathearn (1316–1390) became King Robert II in 1371.
- David Stewart, Earl of Strathearn (1355–1386) was Robert's son.
- Euphemia Stewart, Countess of Strathearn (died 1415) inherited the title.
- Malise Graham, Earl of Strathearn (1410–after 1427) lost the title.
- Walter Stewart, Earl of Strathearn (died 1437) held the title for a time.
The Royal Connection: Prince William
Since 2011, the title of Earl of Strathearn has been held by a member of the royal family.
- Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, Baron Carrickfergus (born 1982) is the current holder.
The person who will inherit the title next is Prince William's son. This is called the heir apparent.
- Prince George of Rothesay (born 2013) is the heir apparent.
Line of Succession
This shows who would inherit the title after Prince William.
The Prince William, Duke of Rothesay (born 1982)
(1) Prince George of Rothesay (b. 2013)- (2) Prince Louis of Rothesay (b. 2018)
See also
- Duke of Connaught and Strathearn
- Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn
- Duke of Kent and Strathearn
