The Dukedom of Sussex is a British royal title currently held by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. However, questions have arisen regarding the future of the title and its presumptive heir. Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children do not currently hold hereditary peerages, many are curious about who will inherit the dukedom when the time comes.
This topic explores the history of the Duke of Sussex title, the rules of inheritance, and who is next in line.
What Is the Dukedom of Sussex?
The Dukedom of Sussex is a title within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, originally created for Prince Augustus Frederick in 1801. However, because Augustus Frederick had no legitimate heirs, the title became extinct upon his death in 1843.
The title was revived on May 19, 2018, when Queen Elizabeth II granted it to her grandson, Prince Harry, upon his marriage to Meghan Markle.
What Does the Title ‘Duke of Sussex’ Mean?
The title ‘Duke of Sussex’ refers to Sussex, a historic county in southern England. Traditionally, British royal dukedoms are associated with specific regions, reinforcing the connection between the royal family and different parts of the UK.
Current Duke of Sussex: Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the second son of King Charles III, holds the Dukedom of Sussex, along with the subsidiary titles Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. He received the title upon marriage, following royal tradition where senior members of the royal family are granted peerages.
Although Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, he retains his ducal title. However, speculation about its inheritance has increased, especially considering the couple’s decision to raise their children outside the royal framework.
Who Is the Presumptive Heir to the Dukedom of Sussex?
Prince Archie: The Likely Successor
The most likely heir to the Dukedom of Sussex is Prince Archie of Sussex, the firstborn son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Why Is Prince Archie the Presumptive Heir?
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British peerage titles typically pass from father to eldest son.
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Since Archie is the firstborn male child of Prince Harry, he would inherit the dukedom upon his father’s passing-unless the title is revoked or changed by royal decree.
However, there is one complication: Archie does not currently hold a courtesy title associated with the dukedom. Unlike previous royal children, he was not given the title Earl of Dumbarton at birth, which would have signified his position as the heir apparent. Instead, he is simply known as Prince Archie of Sussex, following the late Queen’s decision to grant him and his sister prince and princess status after King Charles III’s accession.
Could the Title Become Extinct?
If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle choose not to pass the title to their children, or if Archie decides not to use it, the Dukedom of Sussex could become extinct upon Prince Harry’s death.
Unlike traditional aristocratic titles, royal dukedoms do not automatically pass to the next generation if there is no official confirmation. The title could revert to the Crown, allowing the reigning monarch to reassign it.
The Royal Succession Rules for Peerages
British Peerage Law and Its Effect on the Sussex Dukedom
The British peerage system follows strict rules of inheritance:
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Dukedoms pass to the eldest legitimate male heir.
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If no male heir exists, the title may become extinct or revert to the Crown.
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The reigning monarch has the authority to alter succession rules or reassign the title.
Because the Dukedom of Sussex was created in 2018, it does not follow older inheritance patterns where daughters could inherit under special circumstances. As such, Princess Lilibet, Prince Harry’s daughter, is not in line for the title.
Could King Charles III Revoke or Reassign the Title?
There has been speculation that King Charles III could alter the status of the Sussex titles. Some members of the British public and political figures have called for the removal of Prince Harry’s titles, given his decision to live in the U.S. and step away from royal duties.
However, no official steps have been taken to revoke the dukedom. If the monarchy chose to do so, it could impact the future of the title and its heirs.
What Happens If Archie Declines the Dukedom?
If Prince Archie decides not to use or inherit the Dukedom of Sussex, several scenarios could unfold:
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The title could become extinct – If Archie does not claim the dukedom, it would cease to exist after Prince Harry’s passing.
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The Crown could reassign the title – King Charles III or a future monarch could grant the Dukedom of Sussex to another royal family member.
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The peerage system could change – In rare cases, British laws governing hereditary titles can be amended, but this is unlikely without broader reforms.
Could Prince William or His Children Inherit the Title?
Technically, if the Dukedom of Sussex reverts to the Crown, it would be at the monarch’s discretion to decide its fate.
While it is unlikely that Prince William or his sons (Prince George, Prince Louis) would receive the title-given their direct path to the throne-it is possible that it could be given to another senior royal family member in the future.
The presumptive heir to the Dukedom of Sussex is Prince Archie of Sussex, as per traditional inheritance rules. However, due to the unique circumstances of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties, the future of the title remains uncertain.
If Archie accepts the dukedom, he will become the 3rd Duke of Sussex. If he declines or the monarchy intervenes, the title could become extinct or reassigned.
As with many aspects of the modern British monarchy, the fate of the Dukedom of Sussex will ultimately depend on royal decisions, legal precedents, and Archie’s personal choice.