Duke of Gloucester

The title Duke of Gloucester (pronounced gloss-tor) 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, the next in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the last in the Peerage of the United Kingdom; this current creation carries with it the subsidiary titles of Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden.

Related Topics:
Gloucester - Peerage of England - Peerage of Great Britain - Peerage of the United Kingdom

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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, fifth son of King Henry IV.

Related Topics:
Edward III - Henry IV

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The title was next conferred on Richard Plantagenet, 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 being the son of King Charles I, Henry Stuart, upon whose death the title became officially extinct.

Related Topics:
Richard Plantagenet - Edward IV

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William, son of Queen Anne, was styled "Duke of Gloucester" for his whole life (1689-1700), but never created as such.

Related Topics:
William - Queen Anne

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The next actual creation was for the brother of George III, Prince William Henry, the full title being "Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh".

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The fifth and final creation was for Prince Henry, son of King George V. Upon Prince Henry's death, the dukedom was inherited by his son Prince Richard, who still holds the title. The heir to the title is presently Alexander Windsor, styled Earl of Ulster.

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There is a preserved steam locomotive called Duke of Gloucester.

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