Baron Kilkeel is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created on 19 May 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II as a subsidiary title for her grandson Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, upon the occasion of his marriage to Meghan Markle.[3] It is named after the small fishing port of Kilkeel, County Down, with a population of 6,887, in the District of Newry, Mourne and Down in Northern Ireland.[3] On the same day, he was also created Duke of Sussex and Earl of Dumbarton.[4] Traditionally, male members of the royal family are granted at least one title on their wedding day by the monarch.[5]
Barony of Kilkeel | |
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Creation date | 19 May 2018 (announced)[1] 16 July 2018 (Letters Patent)[2] |
Creation | First |
Created by | Elizabeth II |
Peerage | Peerage of the United Kingdom |
Present holder | Prince Harry |
Heir apparent | Prince Archie of Sussex |
Remainder to | the 1st Baron's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten[2] |
Status | Extant |
Prior to 2018, there had never been a noble title connected to Kilkeel (from Irish Cill Chaoil, meaning 'church of the narrow'[6][7]), which lies within the historic barony of Mourne.[8] In the Middle Ages, it was said to be the centre of power of the Mugdorna (Múrna, Mughdorna, Mourne), an Irish tribe.[9] It is located near the Mourne Mountains and is used as the base for a large fishing fleet.[10][9]
The barony was newly created to allow Prince Harry to hold a Northern Irish title.[11] The title of the barony was discussed between the Queen and Prince Harry privately; however, the Queen was the one who chose the title to bestow.[12]
Baron | Portrait | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prince Harry House of Windsor 2018–present also: Duke of Sussex and Earl of Dumbarton (2018) |
15 September 1984 St Mary's Hospital, London son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer |
Meghan Markle 19 May 2018 2 children, Prince Archie of Sussex Princess Lilibet of Sussex |
Living |