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Duke of Gloucester
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Duke of Gloucester (/ˈɡlɒstər/ ⓘ GLOST-ər) is a British royal title (after Gloucester), often conferred on one of the sons of the reigning monarch. The first four creations were in the Peerage of England and the last in the Peerage of the United Kingdom; the current creation carries with it the subsidiary titles of Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden.

Key Information

The title was first conferred on Thomas of Woodstock, the thirteenth child of King Edward III. The title became extinct at his death, as it did upon the death of the duke of the second creation, Humphrey of Lancaster, fourth son of King Henry IV.

The title was next conferred on Richard, brother to King Edward IV. When Richard himself became king, the dukedom merged into the crown. After Richard's death, the title was considered ominous, since the first three such dukes had all died without issue to inherit their titles. The title was not awarded for over 150 years: the next to receive the dukedom was the son of King Charles I, Henry Stuart, upon whose death the title again became extinct.

Prince William, son of the future Queen Anne, was styled "Duke of Gloucester" for his whole life (1689–1700), but was never formally created duke. Frederick, Prince of Wales, was styled "Duke of Gloucester" from 1718–1726, but was then created Duke of Edinburgh rather than of Gloucester.

There was next a creation of a double dukedom (not two dukedoms) for the brother of King George III, Prince William Henry, his proper title becoming "Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh".

The fifth and most recent creation was for Prince Henry, third son of King George V, styled as His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. Upon Prince Henry's death, the dukedom was inherited by his only surviving son Prince Richard, who still holds the title. The heir-apparent to the title is Alexander Windsor, styled Earl of Ulster. The next in the line of succession is the Earl of Ulster's son Xan Windsor, known by his grandfather's third title of Lord Culloden. The royal dukedom will devolve into an ordinary one when inherited by Alexander Windsor; as a great-grandson of a sovereign he is not entitled to royal style, and will be styled as His Grace The Duke of Gloucester.

Prince Richard, the current Duke of Gloucester

Dukes of Gloucester

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First creation, 1385–1397

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Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Thomas of Woodstock
House of Plantagenet
1385–1397
also: Duke of Aumale (1385–1397), Earl of Essex (1376–1397), Earl of Buckingham (1377) 		Thomas of Woodstock 7 January 1355
Woodstock Palace
son of Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault 		Eleanor de Bohun
1376
5 children 		8 September 1397
Calais
aged 42
Thomas of Woodstock's son died two years after his father, but never succeeded to his titles except that of Earl of Buckingham. At the time of Thomas's death, he was regarded as a traitor and thus his titles were forfeit after his murder (except Earl of Buckingham). His son had no issue and his male line died out in 1399.

Second creation, 1414–1447

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Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Humphrey of Lancaster
House of Lancaster
1414–1447
also: Earl of Pembroke (1414) 		Humphrey of Lancaster 3 October 1390
Lancaster Castle
son of Henry IV of England and Mary de Bohun 		Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut
1422–1428 (annulled)
1 child (stillborn)

Eleanor de Cobham
1428–1441 (annulled)
2 children 		23 February 1447
Bury St Edmunds
aged 56
Before marrying Humphrey, Eleanor de Cobham was his mistress. At the time of Humphrey's 1447 death, he had two children, Arthur and Antigone. However, both children were born before his marriage to Eleanor and were thus illegitimate and could not succeed to his titles; so, accordingly, all his titles became extinct on his death.

Third creation, 1461

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Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Richard Plantagenet
House of York
1461–1483 		Richard Plantagenet 2 October 1452
Fotheringhay Castle, Oundle
son of Richard, Duke of York and Cecily Neville 		Anne Neville
1472–1485
(her death)
1 child 		22 August 1485
Bosworth Field
aged 32
Richard succeeded as Richard III in 1483 upon his nephew's disappearance, and his titles merged with the crown.

Fourth creation, 1659

[edit]
Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Henry Stuart
House of Stuart
1659–1660
also: Earl of Cambridge (1659) 		Henry Stuart 8 July 1640
Oatlands Palace, Oatlands
son of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria 		Never married 18 September 1660
Whitehall, London
aged 20
Henry Stuart had no children and all his titles became extinct on his death.

Only styled, 1689

[edit]
Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Prince William
House of Oldenburg
1689–1700 		Prince William of Denmark 24 July 1689
Hampton Court Palace, London
son of Queen Anne and Prince George 		Never married 30 July 1700
Windsor Castle, Windsor
aged 11

Only styled, 1717

[edit]
Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death
Prince Frederick
House of Hanover
1717–1726 		Prince Frederick 1 February 1707
Leineschloss, Hanover
son of King George II and Queen Caroline 		Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha
17 April 1736
9 children 		31 March 1751
Leicester House, London
aged 44

Fifth creation, 1928

[edit]

Also: Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden (1928)[1]

Duke Portrait Birth Marriage(s) Death Arms
Prince Henry
House of Windsor
1928–1974 		Prince Henry 31 March 1900
York Cottage, Sandringham
son of King George V and Queen Mary 		Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott
6 November 1935
2 children 		10 June 1974
Barnwell Manor, Barnwell
aged 74
Prince Richard
House of Windsor
1974–present 		Prince Richard 26 August 1944
St. Matthew's Nursing Home, Northampton
son of Prince Henry and Princess Alice 		Birgitte van Deurs Henriksen
8 June 1972
3 children 		 –
now 81 years, 178 days old

Line of succession

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Arms

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Family trees

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Duke of Gloucester

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Duke of Gloucester is a title in the and the , created five times for male members of the , typically sons or grandsons of monarchs. The first creation occurred in 1385 for Thomas of Woodstock, the youngest son of King Edward III, who played a key role in the against Richard II. Subsequent creations include 1414 for Humphrey of Lancaster, son of Henry IV, who served as during Henry VI's minority and promoted humanist scholarship; 1461 for Richard Plantagenet, brother of Edward IV, who later ascended as King Richard III amid controversies over his nephews' disappearance; 1659 for Henry Stuart, youngest son of Charles I, who died young during the Restoration; and 1928 for Prince Henry, third son of . The current holder, Prince Richard, second Duke under the 1928 creation, succeeded his father Prince Henry upon the latter's death on 10 June 1974. Born on 26 August 1944 as the younger son of Prince Henry and , Prince Richard is a first cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II and a full-time working royal focused on engagements related to architecture, heritage preservation, and construction. His efforts include patronage of organizations like the and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding Britain's . Historically, holders of the title have influenced key events, from medieval power struggles and machinations to Regency-era governance and modern royal duties, underscoring the dukedom's association with proximity to the throne and public service.

Overview of the Title

Etymology and Origins

The designation "Duke of Gloucester" derives from the city of Gloucester in Gloucestershire, England, a site of strategic and historical significance owing to its position on the River Severn and its Roman foundations. The city's name traces back to the Latin Glevum, the Roman designation for a colony founded circa AD 96–97 under Emperor Nerva as Colonia Glevum Nervensis, evolving through Old English Glēawceaster—combining a form of Glevum (from Celtic roots implying "bright" or "clear") with ceaster denoting a Roman walled settlement or fort. This etymological lineage reflects Gloucester's pre-Roman Celtic influences and its development into a key Anglo-Saxon and medieval center, which lent prestige to titles associated with it. The origins of the dukedom as a peerage title lie in the late medieval English monarchy's practice of elevating royal kin with territorial honors to consolidate loyalty and governance. The title was first created in the in 1385 by King Richard II for his uncle Thomas of Woodstock (1355–1397), the seventh surviving son of King Edward III, recognizing Woodstock's military contributions, including campaigns in and , amid the ongoing . Prior to this, had been an earldom held by figures such as Robert, Earl of Gloucester (c. 1090–1147), illegitimate son of Henry I, underscoring the region's longstanding association with high nobility, but the ducal rank marked an elevation typically reserved for sons or close relatives of the sovereign to denote precedence and potential claims to power. This inaugural creation set the pattern for subsequent bestowals, often on younger sons of monarchs, with the title lapsing upon the holder's death without male heirs, reflecting the non-hereditary nature of such royal grants until later stabilizations.

Precedence and Privileges in the Peerage

The Duke of Gloucester holds the rank of , the highest in the British , thereby taking precedence over all holders of inferior titles including marquesses, , viscounts, and barons. Among dukes, order is typically determined by the antiquity of the creation, with titles of predating those of or the ranking higher within their respective peerages. When conferred on royal persons—as has been the case for most creations of the dukedom—the holder assumes precedence over non-royal dukes, determined not by creation date but by blood relationship to the , such as sons, brothers, uncles, or grandsons of the reigning or former monarchs. For instance, holders ranking as grandsons of former sovereigns, like the current , precede other dukes following the sovereign's nephews in the . This elevated status reflects the 1520 , which prioritizes royal dukes in ceremonial and official processions. Privileges attaching to the dukedom include the right to a distinctive ducal coronet of eight strawberry leaves, the bearing of heraldic supporters in the , and the use of scarlet robes trimmed with ermine in parliamentary or state ceremonies. The broader , applicable to all dukes, historically encompassed immunity from civil arrest except in cases of felony or , exemption from jury service, and trial by fellow peers; however, trial by peers was abolished in , and other immunities are now largely ceremonial or limited to ary contexts. Since the , the automatic hereditary right to a seat in the has been removed for most peers, including dukes, with only 92 elected hereditary peers retained; royal dukes, while peers of the realm, do not routinely exercise this right and instead fulfill duties through royal engagements rather than legislative roles. Dukedoms are created by under the , ensuring heritability in the male line unless otherwise specified, which underscores the title's enduring status despite diminished political privileges.

Historical Creations of the Dukedom

First Creation (1385–1397)

The first creation of the Dukedom of Gloucester took place on 6 August 1385, when King Richard II elevated his uncle Thomas of Woodstock, previously Earl of Buckingham and the youngest surviving son of King Edward III, to the rank of duke during the royal expedition into Scotland. This grant, accompanied by the creation of the Dukedom of Aumale shortly thereafter, honored Woodstock's military service, including campaigns against the Scots and in France, and reflected Richard's early reliance on his Plantagenet uncles for counsel and support amid the ongoing Hundred Years' War. As Duke of Gloucester, Thomas wielded significant influence, commanding forces and participating in the suppression of domestic unrest, such as the Peasants' Revolt remnants. Gloucester's tenure, however, became marked by escalating tensions with Richard II over the king's favoritism toward certain advisors, culminating in Gloucester's leadership of the —a coalition of nobles including the Earls of and —in 1386–1388. This faction successfully impeached and executed several royal officials, asserting parliamentary control over the government and briefly sidelining the king's inner circle. By 1397, with Richard regaining authority through alliances and military successes, Gloucester's prior actions were reframed as treasonous, leading to his arrest at Pleshey Castle in in late July or early August. Transferred to imprisonment in under the custody of the , he was murdered there on 8 or 9 September 1397, reportedly suffocated with a featherbed on the direct orders of Richard II to avert a . Parliament subsequently attainted Gloucester of high treason on 21 September 1397, declaring his titles forfeit and his lands confiscated to , thereby extinguishing the Dukedom of Gloucester in the male line, as he left no surviving legitimate sons to inherit. The attainder, passed amid the broader revenge against the Appellants known as the "Revenge Parliament," underscored the precarious nature of royal favor in late medieval , where baronial opposition could swiftly lead to forfeiture.

Second Creation (1414–1447)

The second creation of the dukedom of Gloucester took place on 16 May 1414, when Humphrey of Lancaster, fourth and youngest son of King Henry IV and Mary de Bohun, was created Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Pembroke by his brother King Henry V at a parliament convened in Leicester. Humphrey, born 3 October 1390, had previously been knighted and served in military capacities, including as Constable of Dover Castle from 1413. This elevation aligned with Henry V's strategy to consolidate Lancastrian support amid the Hundred Years' War, granting Humphrey significant lands and influence, though subordinate to his brother's authority. As Duke of Gloucester, Humphrey actively participated in the Agincourt campaign of 1415, where he was wounded but contributed to the English victory, and subsequent sieges in until 1420. Following Henry V's death on 31 August 1422, Humphrey claimed the office of Protector of the Realm for his infant nephew Henry VI, asserting rights based on Henry V's will and Lancastrian precedent, though his authority was contested by the rival Beaufort faction and limited by councils. He married Jacqueline of Hainaut in , briefly pursuing claims in the , but the union dissolved by 1428; his second marriage to Eleanor Cobham in 1428 produced no legitimate heirs. Gloucester's protectorate involved promoting English interests in , patronizing scholars and founding libraries—earning him posthumous repute as a humanist—yet his drew criticism for favoritism and setbacks, such as the failure to relieve Orléans in 1429. Tensions escalated with Queen and Cardinal Beaufort, culminating in Gloucester's arrest on 18 February 1447 at on charges of ; he died the next day, 23 February 1447, officially of a but amid suspicions of or suffocation, as alleged by contemporaries. With no surviving legitimate issue, the dukedom became extinct upon his death. His widow's 1441 trial for and imprisonment underscored the political intrigues surrounding his fall.

Third Creation (1461–1485)

The third creation of the dukedom of Gloucester was granted on 1 November 1461 to Richard Plantagenet, the youngest surviving son of Richard, 3rd Duke of York, and brother to King Edward IV. Born on 2 October 1452 at Fotheringhay Castle, Richard was nine years old at the time of his ennoblement, which followed Edward IV's victory in the Wars of the Roses and coronation in June 1461. The title came with an annual grant of £40 from the sheriff of Gloucester. In late 1461 or early 1462, Richard was invested as a Knight of the Garter, and on 12 August 1462, he received substantial estates in , including lordships in and , laying the foundation for his influence in the region. His early minority was marked by education under Richard Neville, , but by 1469, amid Warwick's rebellion, Richard aligned firmly with Edward IV. In 1471, during the Lancastrian readeption's collapse, he participated in the Yorkist campaigns, contributing to victories at the on 14 April—where he may have led the vanguard—and the on 4 May, which effectively ended Henry VI's claim. These services earned him further grants, including the forfeited estates of Warwick and Lord Montagu after Tewkesbury, bolstering his northern power base. Richard married , Warwick's younger daughter, in 1472, securing ties to former adversaries, though the union faced opposition from his brother of Clarence. Appointed Lieutenant-General of the North, he suppressed unrest and managed border defenses, notably leading a 1482 invasion of that recaptured on 24 August. By 1483, upon Edward IV's death on 9 April, Richard served as for his nephew Edward V, but on 26 June, he assumed the throne as Richard III, merging the dukedom with the crown. The title lapsed after his defeat and death at the on 22 August 1485, marking the end of Plantagenet rule.

Fourth Creation (1659–1660)

The fourth creation of the dukedom of Gloucester was granted to Henry Stuart (8 July 1640 – 13 September 1660), the youngest surviving son of King Charles I and Henrietta Maria of France. Born at Oatlands Palace in Surrey, Henry was initially created Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Cambridge by his father on 16 July 1644, during the English Civil War, but Parliament nullified these titles in 1650 following Charles I's execution. He spent much of his early life in captivity and exile, including imprisonment at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight after his father's defeat, before escaping to the Dutch Republic in 1648. On 13 May 1659, while in , Charles II—then in exile—restored the titles of Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Cambridge to his brother by , marking the fourth distinct creation of the as prior lines had become extinct. This act reaffirmed Stuart loyalties amid the crumbling regime under . Henry, known for his Protestant convictions and refusal to convert to Catholicism unlike his brother James, resided primarily in the and during the , evading republican agents. Henry returned to with the Restoration in May 1660, greeted enthusiastically in Dover and proceeding to amid public acclaim for his steadfast royalism. However, he contracted shortly after arrival and died unmarried and childless at Whitehall Palace on 13 September 1660, at age 20, causing widespread mourning. His body lay in state at before burial in the of , with the dukedom thereby extinct. Contemporary elegies highlighted his potential as a Protestant heir, contrasting with fears of Catholic succession through James.

Instances Only Styled as Duke (1689 and 1717)

Prince William Henry, born on 24 July 1689 at to Princess Anne and , was the only one of their seventeen children to survive infancy. At his baptism on 27 July 1689, he was declared Duke of Gloucester, though were never issued to formally create the dukedom. Styled as such throughout his life, William suffered from chronic health issues, including possible , which necessitated the use of a supportive "iron " and limited his mobility. He died on 30 July 1700 at , aged eleven, from convulsions following a fever, leaving no heirs and prompting the passage of the to secure Protestant succession. Prince Frederick Louis, born on 1 February 1707 in to Prince George (later George II) and , was granted the style of Duke of Gloucester on 10 January 1717 as the eldest son of the . This was used until 26 July 1726, when he was formally elevated to the as Duke of , Marquess of the Isle of Ely, and Earl of Eltham, bypassing a creation in . The styling reflected traditional royal nomenclature for princes but lacked the required for a hereditary , distinguishing it from subsequent creations. Frederick later became in 1729 and died on 31 March 1751 without ascending the throne, predeceasing his father.

Fifth Creation (1928–present)

The fifth creation of the dukedom of Gloucester took place on 31 March 1928, when granted the titles Duke of Gloucester, , and Baron Culloden to Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, third son of King George V. These subsidiary titles connected the holder to regions across the : in , Ulster in , and Culloden in . Prince Henry, born 31 March 1900 at , Sandringham, pursued a career, commissioning into the in 1921 and later serving as a staff officer during the Second . From 1945 to 1947, he acted as , the only British prince to hold that viceregal position. Prince Henry died on 10 June 1974 at , , aged 74, from a heart attack following a series of strokes. The dukedom passed by to his surviving younger son, Prince Richard Alexander Walter George, bypassing the deceased elder son, Prince William, who had died in a flying in 1972 without issue. Prince Richard, born 26 August 1944 in , had been styled prior to succession. He trained as an architect, qualifying from , in 1969, but relinquished private practice upon inheriting the peerages. As the 2nd Duke, Prince Richard has performed extensive public duties, including patronage of over 100 organizations focused on , heritage preservation, and welfare. The dukedom remains extant, with the current holder as a full-time working member of the royal family, residing at . The coat of arms for this creation features the royal arms of King George V differenced by a label of five points argent, the outer two and centre charged with three red escallops, a design made hereditary by royal warrant in 1975.

The Current Holder

Prince Richard, 2nd Duke of Gloucester: Life and Achievements

Prince Richard Alexander Walter George, born on 26 August 1944 at St Matthew's Nursing Home in Northampton, is the second son of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester—the third son of King George V—and Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. As a grandson of George V, he ranks as the second youngest surviving grandchild of the monarch, positioned 30th in the line of succession to the British throne as of 2025. His elder brother, Prince William, died in a flying accident on 28 August 1972, making Richard the heir to his father's titles and prompting a shift toward greater royal responsibilities. Prince Richard received his early education at home before attending Wellesley House School in and . In 1963, he enrolled at , graduating in 1966 with a diploma in . Initially pursuing a career in , he joined a London firm and was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects () in 1972; he later became a partner in the practice. His professional ambitions were curtailed by his brother's death, leading him to balance architectural pursuits with increasing public duties, including representation of Queen Elizabeth II abroad starting in 1970, such as at the wedding of Crown Prince Birendra of Nepal. On 8 July 1972, shortly before his brother's fatal accident, Prince Richard married Birgitte Eva van Deurs, a Danish noblewoman, at St Andrew's Church in Barnwell, . The couple has two children: Alexander Patrick Gregers Richard, (born 24 October 1974), and Lady Davina Elizabeth Alice Benedikte Windsor (born 19 November 1977). Upon his father's death on 10 June 1974, Prince Richard succeeded to the titles of Duke of Gloucester, , and Baron Culloden, adopting the style His The Duke of Gloucester. As a full-time working member of the royal family, the Duke undertakes hundreds of engagements annually, focusing on domestic and overseas representation of the sovereign, including attendance at state events and diplomatic functions such as the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. His patronages exceed 150 organizations, with particular emphasis on architecture, historic preservation, and conservation; notable roles include President of the Scottish Society of Architect-Artists, Vice Patron of RIBA, and supporter of the Victorian Society and the International Council on Monuments and Sites. He has contributed to the field through authorship of photographic books on British buildings, including On Public View (1970), and patronage of entities like the Architects' Benevolent Society and Construction Youth Trust, promoting skills training in the built environment. The Duke also supports humanitarian causes, military veterans, and health initiatives, such as serving as Colonel-in-Chief of units like the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Contributions to Monarchy and Society

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, supports the British monarchy through extensive public duties, undertaking hundreds of official engagements annually in the and overseas to represent the sovereign as . These include ceremonial functions, diplomatic representations, and attendance at state events, such as overseas visits on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II starting from 1970, including the wedding in that year, the funeral in in 2012, the inauguration of in 2013, and a visit to Korea in 2013. His consistent participation, with 126 engagements recorded in 2024 alone, underscores his role in maintaining the continuity and visibility of the royal institution amid a reduced working royal roster. In societal contributions, the Duke leverages his architectural background—a degree from , and professional practice until 1972—to advocate for heritage preservation and built environment quality. Elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1972, he serves as its Royal Patron and President of the Scottish Society of Architect-Artists, promoting standards in design and conservation. He holds fellowships in the (elected Fellow since 2001), the , and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in , reflecting expertise applied to safeguarding historical structures. The Duke patronizes over 150 charities and organizations, focusing on architecture, conservation, and broader welfare causes. Key supports include , Society, International Council on Monuments and Sites , and National Churches Trust, where his involvement raises awareness for preserving Britain's architectural legacy against modern development pressures. He also backs practical initiatives like the Construction Youth Trust for training in building trades and for affordable housing, extending his influence to and . Additionally, as patron of the Richard III Society since aligning with its focus on historical research into King Richard III, he contributes to empirical reevaluation of medieval monarchy, countering longstanding narrative biases through archival evidence.

Succession to the Dukedom

Prince Richard succeeded to the Dukedom of Gloucester on 10 June 1974, following the death of his father, Prince Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester. He had assumed the position of on 28 August 1972, after his elder brother, , died in an aircraft crash near ; Prince William, who was unmarried and childless, had held that status since the dukedom's creation in 1928. The peerage, granted by letters patent dated 31 March 1928, passes by primogeniture to the heirs male of Prince Henry's body, rendering it limited to legitimate male descendants in the direct line. Prince Richard's heir apparent is his eldest child and only son, Alexander Patrick Gregers Richard Windsor, Earl of Ulster, born at St Mary's Hospital, London, on 24 October 1974. Alexander married Claire Alexandra Booth, a physician, on 22 June 2002; they have two children, of whom the elder, Cosmo Charles Oliver "Xan" Windsor, Lord Culloden (born 26 November 2007), stands next in remainder to the title after his father. Should the male line fail, the dukedom would become extinct.

Heraldry and Genealogy

Coat of Arms and Insignia

The coat of arms of Prince Richard, 2nd Duke of Gloucester, granted upon his birth in 1944, comprises the royal arms of the United Kingdom—quarterly, first and fourth gules three lions passant guardant in pale or armed and langued azure (England), second or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory gules (Scotland), third azure a harp or stringed argent (Ireland)—differenced by a label of five points argent, the centre point and two outer points each charged with a cross gules, the two inner points each with a lion passant guardant or. This differencing distinguishes male-line descendants of sons of George V who are not royal highnesses by birth. The shield is ensigned with the coronet of a child of a son of a sovereign, featuring eight alternate crosses patée and strawberry leaves. Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester (1461–1485, later King Richard III), bore the royal arms of England—quarterly France modern and England—differenced by a label of three points argent each charged with three ermine spots, accompanied by a canton gules in the dexter chief, the latter derived from the arms of the Dukes of Clarence through his paternal lineage. This combination marked his position as a younger son of Richard, Duke of York, and incorporated for the Clarence inheritance via his brother George. The arms were used on seals and in heraldic contexts prior to his accession, reflecting Yorkist claims to the throne. Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester (1414–1447), employed arms quartering the ancient arms of France and England (as adapted under his father Henry IV), differenced by a argent to signify his royal paternity without further subdivision for siblings. This distinguished him from brothers like Henry V and John of Bedford, who used labels, and emphasized Lancastrian legitimacy during the era. His heraldic devices appeared extensively in manuscripts, seals, and monuments, underscoring his role as Protector of the Realm. Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester (1659–1660), as a younger son of King Charles I, utilized the royal arms of and quartered, differenced by a of three points argent as for a royal prince, without additional bordures or specific attributions due to the title's brief posthumous confirmation. Royal dukes of this period typically augmented their achievements with supporters of the and upon restoration contexts, though Stuart maintained Stuart-specific tinctures and styles pre-Union. Coronets for such holders featured the arched variant reserved for children of the .

Key Family Trees and Lineages

The lineages of the Dukes of Gloucester primarily descend from sons or brothers of English and British monarchs, reflecting the title's recurrent bestowal on non-heir royals. Thomas of Woodstock, 1st Duke of Gloucester (c. 1385 creation, extinct 1397), was born 7 January 1355 as the youngest surviving son of King Edward III (1312–1377) and (1310–1369). He married (c. 1366–1399), co-heiress of the Earls of , , and , producing six children: Anne (1374–1432), who married successively Thomas Stafford, 3rd Earl of Stafford, and Edmund Stafford, 5th Earl of Stafford; Humphrey (1381/82–1399), 2nd Earl of Buckingham and Stafford; Philippa (c. 1380, died young); Isabel (d. c. 1397); Joan (d. young); and a son who died in infancy. Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester (c. 1414/1422 creation, extinct 1447), born c. October 1390, was the fourth son of King Henry IV (1367–1413) and (d. 1394). His first marriage to Jacqueline of Hainault (1401–1436) produced no surviving issue; his second to Eleanor Cobham (c. 1400–1452) yielded an illegitimate daughter, . Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of Gloucester (1461 creation, merged into crown 1483 as King Richard III), born 2 October 1452, was the fourth surviving son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd (1411–1460), and Cecily Neville (1415–1495). The descended patrilineally from Edmund of Langley, 1st (Edward III's fifth son), and maternally from Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence (Edward III's second son), via Anne Mortimer. Richard married (1456–1485), daughter of Warwick the Kingmaker, fathering Edward of (1473–1484), , who predeceased him without issue. Henry Stuart, 4th Duke of Gloucester (1659 creation, extinct 1660), born 8 July 1640, was the youngest son of King Charles I (1600–1649) and (1609–1669). Unmarried, he left no descendants. Prince Henry, 1st Duke of Gloucester (1928 creation), born 31 March 1900, was the third son of King George V (1865–1936) and Queen Mary (1867–1953). He married Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott (1901–2004) in 1935, fathering two sons: Prince William (1941–1972), who died unmarried in an air crash without issue, and Prince Richard (b. 26 August 1944), 2nd Duke since 1974. Prince Richard married Birgitte van Deurs (b. 1946) in 1972, with issue: (b. 1974), Lady Davina (b. 1977), and Lady Rose (b. 1980). The current line traces male descent from George V via Prince Henry.

References

  1. https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/history-of-royal-titles-the-duke-of-gloucester-151765/
  2. https://debretts.com/royal-family/royal-titles/peerages-of-other-members-of-the-royal-family/
  3. https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-gloucester
  4. http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/gloucester1928.htm
  5. https://www.etymonline.com/word/Gloucester
  6. https://www.gloucestercivictrust.org/a-brief-history-of-gloucester/
  7. https://www.houseofnames.com/gloucester-family-crest
  8. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/thomas-of-woodstock-duke-of-gloucester/
  9. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/thomas-of-woodstock-1st-duke-of-gloucester/
  10. https://debretts.com/peerage/the-peerage/ranks-and-privileges-of-the-peerage/
  11. https://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/order_precedence.htm
  12. https://erskinemay.parliament.uk/section/4571/lords-privileges-of-parliament-and-of-peerage
  13. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dictionary_of_National_Biography%2C_1885-1900/Thomas_of_Woodstock
  14. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095855721
  15. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-of-Woodstock-Duke-of-Gloucester
  16. https://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/thomaswoodstock.htm
  17. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dictionary_of_National_Biography%2C_1885-1900/Humphrey_%281391-1447%29
  18. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/humphrey-1st-duke-of-gloucester/
  19. https://www.archontology.org/nations/uk/england/king_england/gloucester_h.php
  20. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Lancaster-406
  21. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/41477/41477-h/41477-h.htm
  22. https://richardiii.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/26-Richard-of-Gloucester-1461-70-Income-Lands-and-Associates-His-Whereabouts-and-Responsibilities.pdf
  23. https://deremilitari.org/2014/05/richard-duke-of-gloucester-and-the-north/
  24. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/richard-iii/
  25. https://www.facebook.com/135541839971118/posts/today-in-history1-november-1461-richard-plantagenet-created-3rd-duke-of-gloucest/297786367079997/
  26. https://richardiii.net/richard-iii-his-world/his-life-and-death/as-a-great-magnate/
  27. https://richardiii.net/research/articles/military-career/
  28. https://www.medievalists.net/2013/10/when-richard-iii-invaded-scotland/
  29. https://richardiii.net/richard-iii-his-world/his-life-and-death/timeline/
  30. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/henry-duke-of-gloucester/
  31. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/henry-stuart-prince-of-england-duke-of-gloucester/
  32. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?cc=ecco;idno=004897229.0001.002;node=004897229.0001.002:33;rgn=div1;view=text
  33. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/featured-royal-date-july-24-1689-birth-of-william-duke-of-gloucester/
  34. https://www.heraldica.org/topics/royalty/prince_highness.htm
  35. https://www.geni.com/people/Frederick-Prince-of-Wales/6000000003891739213
  36. https://monarchies.fandom.com/wiki/Duke_of_Gloucester
  37. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/frederick-prince-of-wales/
  38. https://livesonline.rcseng.ac.uk/biogs/E006572b.htm
  39. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gloucester-first-duke-of-10313
  40. https://debretts.com/royal-family/duke-of-gloucester/
  41. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a28816021/prince-richard-duke-of-gloucester-facts/
  42. https://www.riba.org/news/riba-welcomes-new-royal-patron-hrh-the-duke-of-gloucester/
  43. https://www.pattenmakers.co.uk/company/patron/
  44. https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1977842/duke-of-gloucester-royal-family-engagements-total-2024
  45. https://www.trimontium.co.uk/team/hrh-the-duke-of-gloucester-kg-gcvo-gcstj-patron-of-the-trimontium-trust/
  46. https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/other-royals/tell-me-about-the-duke-and-duchess-of-gloucester/
  47. https://people.com/royals/british-royal-family-line-of-succession-complete/
  48. http://www.1066.co.nz/Mosaic%2520DVD/whoswho/text/Prince_Richard_Duke_of_Gloucester%5B1%5D.htm
  49. https://aroyalheraldry.weebly.com/blog/king-richard-iii
  50. https://www.theheraldrysociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CoA-211-Clemmensen-correspondance.pdf
  51. https://ia601302.us.archive.org/5/items/genealogyofexist00lodguoft/genealogyofexist00lodguoft.pdf
  52. https://www.geni.com/people/Thomas-of-Woodstock-1st-Duke-of-Gloucester/6000000006275406006
  53. https://richardiii.net/richard-iii-his-world/his-family/
  54. https://www.geni.com/people/Henry-Stuart-1st-Duke-of-Gloucester/6000000002185016741
  55. https://royal.myorigins.org/p/Prince_Henry_Duke_of_Gloucester/
  56. https://www.britroyals.com/windsor.asp?id=richard_gloucester
  57. https://www.geni.com/people/Prince-Richard-Duke-of-Gloucester/6000000003146764887
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