Baron Kilkeel

Summary

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
Arms of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the present Baron Kilkeel
Creation date19 May 2018 (announced)[1]
16 July 2018 (Letters Patent)[2]
CreationFirst
Created byElizabeth II
PeeragePeerage of the United Kingdom
Present holderPrince Harry
Heir apparentPrince Archie of Sussex
Remainder tothe 1st Baron's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten[2]
StatusExtant

History edit

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]

First creation, 2018 edit

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

Line of succession edit

References edit

  1. ^ Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle: Announcement of Titles, The Royal Household, 19 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b "No. 62358". The London Gazette. 20 July 2018. p. 12928.
  3. ^ a b "Harry and Meghan appointed Baron and Baroness of Kilkeel". Belfast Telegraph. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  4. ^ Dewan, Angela (19 May 2018). "Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Harry and Meghan's new titles". CNN. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to become Duke and Duchess of Sussex". USA Today. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  6. ^ Placenames Database of Ireland
  7. ^ "Placenames NI". Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  8. ^ "Kilkeel". IreAtlas Townlands Database. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Royal wedding 2018: Harry becomes Baron Kilkeel". BBC News. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  10. ^ "Baron of Kilkeel is Prince Harry's Northern Irish title". Windsor Observer. Press Association. Archived from the original on 19 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Baron of Kilkeel is Prince Harry's Northern Irish title". Belfast Telegraph. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  12. ^ "Harry becomes the Duke of Sussex and the Earl of Dumbarton". The Herald. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2018.