Duke of Cornwall

The Dukedom of Cornwall was the first dukedom created in the peerage of England. The dukedom is the last in the United Kingdom still associated with an actual duchy, the Duchy of Cornwall. There is one other duchy in the United Kingdom, the Duchy of Lancaster, but there has been no Duke of Lancaster since that dukedom merged in the crown in 1413.

History

According to legend, Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall to King Uther Pendragon, rebelled against the latter's rule when he became obsessed with Gorlois' wife, Igraine. Uther killed Gorlois and married Igraine; the result of the union was the future King Arthur.

Related Topics:
Gorlois - Uther Pendragon - Igraine - King Arthur

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Dukedom of Cornwall always belongs to the eldest son of the Sovereign. Cornwall was the first dukedom ever conferred in England, being created for Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of Edward III in 1336. After Edward predeceased the King, the dukedom was recreated for his son, the future Richard II. Under a charter of 1421, the dukedom passes to the Sovereign's eldest son and heir.

Related Topics:
England - Edward, the Black Prince - Edward III - 1336 - Richard II - 1421

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If the eldest son of the Sovereign dies, his or her eldest son does not inherit the Dukedom. However, if the eldest son should die without children, then his next brother obtains the Dukedom. Underlying these rules is the principle that only a son of the Sovereign—never a grandson, even if he is the Heir Apparent—may be Duke of Cornwall. It is possible for an individual to be Prince of Wales and Heir Apparent without being Duke of Cornwall. For example, King George II's heir-apparent, the future George III, was Prince of Wales, but not Duke of Cornwall (because he was the King's grandson, not the King's son).

Related Topics:
Heir Apparent - Prince of Wales - King George II - George III

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1856 Sir George Harrison successfully argued that the Duchy enjoyed the rights and prerogatives of a County palatine, that it was extraterritorial to England and that the Duke has rights over the whole territory of Cornwall befitting a King.

Related Topics:
1856 - George Harrison - County palatine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1969-71 the Kilbrandon Report into the British constitution recommended that, when referring to Cornwall the 'county' - official sources should cite the Duchy not the County. This was suggested in recognition of its constitutional position.

Related Topics:
1969 - 71 - Kilbrandon Report - Constitution - Cornwall

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Following her marriage to The Prince of Wales, Camilla Parker Bowles uses the style 'Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall' rather than 'Princess of Wales'.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~