Duke of Norfolk

Duties & Other Titles

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In addition to the title of Duke of Norfolk, the Dukes of Norfolk also hold the hereditary position of Earl Marshal, which has the duty of organizing state occasions such as the state opening of parliament. For the last five centuries, save some periods when it was under attainder, both the Dukedom and the Earl-Marshalship have been in the hands of the Howard family. According to The House of Lords Act 1999, due to his duties as Earl Marshal Norfolk is one of only two hereditary peers automatically admitted to the House of Lords, without being elected by the general body of hereditary peers.

Related Topics:
Earl Marshal - Parliament - Attainder - The House of Lords Act 1999 - House of Lords

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Additionally, the Duke of Norfolk participates in the ceremony of the State Opening of Parliament. He is among the four individuals that precede the monarch, and one of the two of these that walks always facing the sovereign (thus backwards).

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As the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk is head of the College of Arms, through which he regulates all matters connected with armorial bearings and standards, in addition to controling the arrangements for state functions.

Related Topics:
Earl Marshal - College of Arms

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The present Duke of Norfolk holds the following subsidiary titles:

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• Earl of Arundel (created 1433),
• Earl of Surrey (1483),
• Earl of Norfolk (1644),
• Baron Beaumont (1309),
• Baron Maltravers (1330),
• Baron Clun (????),
• Baron Fitzalan (1627),
• Baron Howard of Glossop (1869).

All titles are in the peerage of England, save for the Barony of Howard of Glossop which is in the peerage of the United Kingdom. The style Earl of Arundel and Surrey is used as a courtesy title by the Duke's eldest son, the present one of which is Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey.

Related Topics:
Peerage - Courtesy title - Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey

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The Dukes of Norfolk own Clun Castle in Shropshire, which is now only a ruin. The title of Baron of Clun is held by the Dukes.

Related Topics:
Clun Castle - Shropshire

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