Duke of Gloucester: Historical Creations, Succession and Modern Duties

History, creations, succession and modern duties of the Duke of Gloucester: origins, six creations across English, British and UK peerages, current holder Prince Richard, subsidiary titles and heir.

Duke of Gloucester (pronounced /ˈdjuːk əv ˈglɒstə/) is a title in the British peerage named for the city and county of Gloucester. It is a royal dukedom that has customarily been granted to a son or close male relative of the sovereign.

Overview

The dignity has been created several times at different periods in British history. Earlier creations belong to the Peerage of England, one creation was made in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the most recent creation is in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The current creation carries subsidiary titles that are used as courtesy styles for the duke’s heirs.

History and creations

There have been six distinct creations of the dukedom. The earliest were established in the medieval and early modern periods within the Peerage of England. After the 1707 union of England and Scotland, another creation appeared in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the latest creation was made in the 20th century under the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Over the centuries the title has at times become extinct or merged into the Crown, reflecting changes in family lines and succession.

Modern creation and subsidiary titles

The present dukedom includes the subsidiary titles Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden. These subsidiary honours form part of the full style of the holder and provide courtesy titles for the heir apparent and other members of the duke’s family.

Current holder and succession

The current Duke of Gloucester is Prince Richard, who succeeded his father in the closing decades of the 20th century. The dukedom is inherited according to the terms of its original creation, normally passing in the male line. The duke’s eldest son uses the courtesy title Earl of Ulster and is the heir apparent.

Role and public duties

As a royal duke, the holder traditionally ranks among the highest peers in the United Kingdom and often carries out public, ceremonial and charitable duties on behalf of the royal family. The specific responsibilities and level of public engagement vary with the individual holder and the needs of the monarchy.