Friday, October 9, 2009
Lord Bath's Tenant Poisoned
A Grand Pile
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Do You Know These Men?
If not, you need to read this blog more often! For the wonderful story, click here.
Photo by Jonathan Becker
Friday, September 18, 2009
Lady V's New Venture
We've heard that Lady Victoria Hervey wants to sell some sort of electric cigarette lighter. Is this exactly practical?
But the main selling point is that it'll bear her family crest. Ooo...
News on the go!
Always,
The Aristo News
Germany's Rocking Aristo
We posted a story on Germany's economic minister on July 10, 2009! Looks like we were ahead of the curve!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Just In!!! Aristocrat Accused Of Stealing £1.6 MILLION!!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September's Eligible Aristo Bachelor
Who's our bachelor of September?Hint: He attended the Oundle School.
Find out after the jump!
Just In! Earl of Snowdown Replies!
The Daily Mail has posted a response to Nicky Haslam's reclaims that he had an affair with the Earl of Snowdon. The quote is after the jump.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Just In! Which Aristo Claims To Have Had An Affair With Earl of Snowdon?
How we love a scandal!
Which aristo claims to have had an affair with the Earl of Snowdon a year before his marriage to Princess Margaret?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tell Us What You Think
Dearest Readers,
As you know, without you we're nothing!
Why not send us a quick e-mail (aristotips@gmail.com) to let us know what you think. Tell us what you think about the content, website, etc. and we'll take it all on board.
Remember to keep those great tips coming!
Always,
The Aristo News
Heir To The 6th Baron Hindlip Fined For Smuggling Drugs In A Condom
Yes, you read the headline correctly.
Apparently, the future 7th Baron Hindlip, The Honorable Henry William Allsopp, was found guilty of trying to smuggle 16.39 grams of cannabis resin into the Bermuda. After being stopped by customs officials at the airport in Bermuda, Henry was discovered to a condom tied to his penis which contained the cannabis resin. Henry was fined $3,000 for his offense.
What a dumb ass. But hey, we'll give him points for originality. Hey, at least he didn't try to smuggle it into the American Embassy. Now that's stupid.
Lord Frederick Windsor Finally Weds At Hampton Court Palace
Today, Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of the Prince of Kent, married Sophie Winkleman at Hampton Court Palace's Chapel Royal. Congratulations! Sophie will now be styled as The Lady Frederick Windsor.
We've been hearing that the wedding has been fraught with drama including (but not limited to) the "unrefined" guest list, wedding gift list, and the absence of senior members of the royal family. Was Princess Pushy a reason? She isn't exactly a favorite amongst her extended family. Thankfully, the couple turned down a six figure sum to have their wedding pictures published in a tacky glossy magazine. It seems that Lord Frederick erred on the side of caution after the last royal wedding...
As many senior member of the royal family weren't in attendance, but some of the distinguished guests included: Princess Eugenie, Lady Annabel Goldsmith, and Lady Gabriella Windsor.
The BBC is reporting that the couple will leave the UK tomorrow for their new life in Los Angeles. We hope the couple will have a lifetime of happiness, but with Princess Pushy as a mother-in-law, we can see why Sophia & Freddie are moving 6,000 miles away...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Trust Me... He's Not That Kind of Dealer
Blink and you missed her!
Aristocratic interior designer, Lady Caroline Percy, daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, appeared on the new BBC "lifestyle"...or "entertainment"...program, TRUST ME, I'M A DEALER last night (August 25, 2009). She didn't deal with the kind of dealer the Honourable Nicholas Knatchbull is use to, but the sort you'd find at Sotheby's or Christie's. Lady Caroline bought the bust of a Roman emperor from the show host, Paul Martin, which she will most likely sell on to one of her aristocratic interior design clients.
To catch her brief appearance, check out the BBC iPlayer. If you don't live in the UK, you're not missing much...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Why, Oh Why?
The Telegraph is reporting that Lady Kitty Spencer, the daughter of the 8th Earl Spencer, wants to be known as a political Carrie Bradshaw. She wants to talk about serious "things". Lucky us. Maybe she'll write a column for the Spectator about the current state of socioeconomic matters between the different class structures within the United Kingdom. It looks like we've given her her first topic.
Just remember, Carrie Bradshaw was a fictional character, Kitty...
The Talented Nat Rothschild
Our aristo bachelor of August, the Honourable Nathaniel Rothschild, is the topic of a great article in the Independent. He's a true man of many colors with unlimited wealth, power and privilege. He's also rumored to be dating Princess Florence von Preussen. Very nice.
To read the story, click here.
Send any tips to aristotips@gmail.com.
Pay Up or Move On...
West Lothian County is in a tizzy over a building owned by Malcolm Harry Erskine, 17th Earl of Buchan. Apparently, a building that has been sitting empty of nearly a decade after once housing a primary school. The local council want to sell the building for ₤140,000 to be used as a leisure center and nursery. However, when the earl's family allowed the land to be built upon more than one hundred years ago, there was a stipulation that it could only be used for educational purposes. In order to change this condition, the earl wants ₤70,000. The council is furious, but it is his land. Either pay up or forget it. Such is life, right?
Note: The picture is not the building in question. Always, The Aristo News.
A Fairy Tale Wedding...On a Budget?
The Aristo News has been following the exploits of Lord Frederick Windsor, who we consider the ultimate aristo: He's a the son of the Prince of Kent & well known amongst his aristocratic peers. Despite being in line for the British throne, the lord isn't immune to the many opinions concerning his upcoming wedding to actress Sophie Winkleman. Rumor has it that the couple will have a "budget" reception at Hampton Court Palace's Great Hall, although senior members of the royal family want it to be a "mature" affair.
It seems the wedding guests will consists of young people and it isn't thrilling the royal family. If Lord Frederick were styled as a member of the royal family, we would understand if they might have some say. However, he's styled as an aristocrat who's an extended member of the regal family. Lord Frederick is already quitting the UK to work full time & be supportive of his soon-to-be-wife's acting career. Upon their marriage, Sophie will be known as Lady Frederick Windsor.
Let's just hope he doesn't sell pictures of his wedding to a tacky magazine. We all know which extended member of the royal family has already done that...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Brother, Can You Spare a Liver Snap?
Some people donate to charity, others leave millions of pounds to their pets.
Gunther, III, an Alsatian, who recently died left ₤224.9 million to his heir, Gunther, IV. Oh, the two Gunther's are dogs. Gunther, III inherited his wealth from the German aristocrat, Countess Carlotta Liebenstein upon her death in 1991. Gunther, IV has it good: He has his own personal maid, custom built swimming pool, and chauffeur driven limousine.
Not to be outdone, Kalu, a chimpanzee, inherited ₤53 million from Patricia O'Neill, daughter of the Countess of Kenmore.
We're not one to judge, but seriously?
To read the full story, click here.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Just in! Aristo Caught in Drug Scandal
How we love a scandal...
The Honourable Nicholas Knatchbull (right), the godson of Prince Charles, has been caught on tape smoking a crack pipe. Classy.
The great-grandson of Earl Mountbatten is an extended member of the British royal family, but addiction knows no social divisions. Nicholas' parents, the 8th Baron Brabourne and Lady Brabourne, are close friends of Prince Charles. It'll be interesting to see how this story develops.
Nicholas stands to inherit ₤100 million. Let's just hope he doesn't blow it on crack and heroin. Now that would be a waste.
To read the full story, click here.
The Right to Bear Titles
Should women be allowed to inherit aristocrat titles? The Aristo News discussed this topic on July 10 in an article entitled The Aristocracy in the 21st Century. We've just learned that the same debate is alive within the hallowed halls of the Spanish aristocracy.
There has been a change to Spanish law that will now allow elder sisters to inherit the family title, in place of her younger brothers. However, some people within this Spanish aristocracy fear that this will allow older sisters to retroactively claim titles already held by their younger brothers, uncles, etc. According to The Irish Times more than 1,000 families are worried about the repercussions of retroactive claims on noble titles held by the younger men in these aristocratic families, which is why they're demanding a change to the law.
But why is this an issue now? Spain has had absolute and equal cognatic primogeniture since 2006.
We at The Aristo News are strong supporters of equality. We think that the current holders should be allowed to retain their titles, but on the death of present holder, the eldest child (or living relative) should inherit the title. Simple, right?
Yet it's interesting to note that the Spanish monarchy still practices male preference primogeniture. How can the King of Spain have one set of rules for the noble families and another for himself? If change is supposed to start at the top, maybe this situation wouldn't be such a mess now.
Friday, August 7, 2009
August's Eligible Aristo Bachelor
Our eligible aristo bachelor is:
The Honourable Nathaniel Rothschild.
Quick fact:
He is heir to the 4th Baron Rothschild & a member of the storied Rothschild banking dynasty.
Nathaniel is better known as "Nat".
The Sunday Times Rich List places his net worth at ₤330 million.
The thirty-eight year old is the co-chairman of Atticus Capital, a New York based hedge fund.
Nat has homes in New York, London, Moscow, Switzerland, and Corfu.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Highclere Castle is Falling Down
...and the trend continues...
The Daily Mail is reporting that Highclere Castle (right), the ancestral home of the Earl's of Carnarvon, is in a dilapidated, uninhabitable state. Apparently, it will cost ₤1.8 million to immediately repair the 50 downtrodden rotting rooms, and a further ₤12 million to repair outbuildings, grounds, and the like. The 8th Earl, George Reginald Oliver Molyneux Herbert, blames his ancestors for not keeping up the castle prior to his inheritance.
Recently, the 8th Earl (who lives in a cottage on the estate with his wife and children) applied for permission to build a housing estate on the 5,000 acre estate. Needless to say, the decision has caused horror in some circles.
As The Aristo News has reported before, these problems are not unique to any one aristocrat. Everyone is feeling the pinch in these economic times...
However, if he can't afford to keep up the estate, maybe he should ask the Queen for a loan. After all, she and the late 7th Earl were close friends. If you don't ask, you don't get, right?
Monday, August 3, 2009
Earl of Southesk Adds Gun to Museum Collection
The 13th Earl of Southesk, David Carnegie, has auctioned off family heirlooms from the 9th Earl of Southesk in order to buy back a significant portion of his ancestral home, Kinnaird Castle (right) in Scotland. Apparently, the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, Canada, has purchased aboriginal artifacts from the earl for ₤1.1 million at a Sotheby's auction. Recently, the earl donated a 1852 Purdey and Sons black powder rifle to the museum's Southesk Collection.
The 13th Earl is currently the heir to the current Duke of Fife.
The Glorious Earl of March
Since The Aristo News is committed to bringing you all of the latest news of the aristocrats of today, we thought you might like this great profile on the current Earl of March.
This is a guy who clearly knows the real financial demands of running his family home as a business and has bucked the financial woes that plague his colleagues. Maybe the earl should give seminars on fiscal responsibility amongst the aristocracy. It only goes to show that sometimes it's better to go against the conventional way of thinking...
We've found it quite interesting to learn that it costs ₤2 million to run the Earl of March's ancestral seat, Goodwood House. No wonder so many aristocrats are feeling the pinch in these tough economic times.
To read the full story, click here.
Money Can't Retain Your Title
The Aristo News has always stated for a while that financial woes are permeating all aspects of aristocratic life. The 11th Baronet of Wolseley has been forced out of his ancestral seat, the Earl of Devon is selling everything he can & the Marquees of Devonshire just raised ₤35,000 at a Sotheby's sale.
Well, now Chris Eubank's, the boxer who purchased the Lordship of the Manor of Brighton, is being forced to sell his title. Why? He's bankrupt. Actually, he's been bankrupt since 2005, but now he's being forced to sell property, assets and the title he purchased for ₤45,000. It is now on sale for ₤35,000. Ouch. If the title can't be sold, it will be auctioned to the highest bidder by the Manorial Society of Great Britain.
If you have the cash, click here to learn more about the sale of the title.
Have You Paid for that Sandwich?
Neil Corall, the owner of a sandwich shop, has been forced to change the name of his shop from Earl of Sandwich to E.A.R.L on the Green. Why? The 11th Earl of Sandwich (right) balked after learning that the small shop was named after his growing chain of sandwich shops located in the USA. It seems that 11th Earl didn't want there to be any confusion between his chain and Mr. Corall's, thus the legal action. Mr. Corall did change the name of his shop, but now the 11th Earl wants him to pay his legal fees (which total ₤2,000), along with a ₤1,500 goodwill payment. Needless to say, Mr. Corall has said he will not pay the goodwill payment & has yet to pay the legal fees.
The Aristo News is a bit surprised by the 11th Earl's legal proceedings, although the Earl's representatives did note that he intends to open shops in the UK and Europe. Fair enough, but is bullying a shop owner the way to create goodwill for your brand? We think not.
To check out the 11th Earl's shop, click here. (Ironically, this story isn't in the press section of the website...)
To contact Neil Corall's shop, call 01224 587259.
Just In! Lord Milo Douglas Found Dead
The Aristo News has just learned that Lord Milo Douglas, second in line to the Marquess of Queensberry, has been found dead. It is said that his body was found on the pavement outside of a nine-story council block building. His father, the 12th Marquees of Queenberry has said that his son suffered from bi-polar disorder. Our thoughts are with the Marquees and his family during this time.
To read the full story, click here.
To read the full story, click here.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Lock Up Your Stately Homes!
The 8th Viscount Gage's (right) ancestral home, Firle Place, has been the subject of theft to the tune of ₤1 million. Meanwhile, the 7th Viscount Hampden's home, Glynde Place, has had two silver chandeliers stolen which are valued at ₤200,000. All of this, and Croome Court, the former home of the 11th Earl of Coventry, was looted of its fixtures and fittings (including the kitchen sink) to the tune of ₤200,000.
Now, we find this a little fishy...to say the least. Either there's massive fraud going on amongst England's aristocratic families (which we highly doubt) or there's a very experienced ring of thieves making off with the family silver (sorry, but that's our new favorite term). The BBC first hit upon this by stating that Firle Place and Glynde Place are only six minutes apart. Meanwhile, Croome Court is approximately three hours away from both locations. Maybe Croome (a deserted home) was the beginning for a nefarious gang of looters...
One thing that doesn't help is the fact that Firle Place and Glynde Place are both open to the public, which would allow unsavory characters to "case the joint" before striking. It's not as if these families hide their most prized, cherished, and valuable possessions. Why make it easy for the thieves to see exactly what they're stealing because it's labeled, authenticated and behind a thin sheet of glass?
Oh, and this is the third time Firle Place has been robbed in the past eight years!
We suggest that they lock their doors, close the security gates, invest in a top-notch security system and put the good stuff away when the tourists go home for the night... Preferably, in the family vault.
Brankrupt Aristo's Forced Out of Ancestral Home
Park House, the ancestral home of Sir Charles Wolseley, 11th Baronet of Wolseley and Lady Wolseley, has been sold to the Royal Bank of Scotland after Sir Wolseley's failed business venture. The couple ran into trouble after Sir Charles was unsuccessful in turning the garden into a tourist attraction; Sir Charles declared bankruptcy in 1996 with debts of ₤2.5 million The Daily Mail is reporting that the couple will have to move into a converted barn.
In these tough times, The Aristo News is surprised, but not shocked, by the news. The Park House estate has been in the family for 1,000 years after it was given to them by King Edgar. Maybe he should have sold the family silver instead...
German Prince Dating American Socialite
Casimir Wittgenstein-Sayn, a German aristocratic prince, is dating American socialite, Tinsley Mortimer. Casimir has a long, interesting relationship history (he married a Swedish divorcee nine years his senior, much to the consternation of his parents) and is quite known on the London social scene. Meanwhile, Tinsley is well known throughout the Park Avenue-set. If they marry, could this be the biggest society union since Consuelo Vandberilt married the 9th Duke of Marlborough? Probably not, but their relationship should be "entertaining" at the very least, especially because Tinsley is only seperated - not divorced - from her husband, Robert Mortimer & Casimir's ex-wife lives in Germany. Yes... Entertaining, indeed!
Swine Flu & The Aristocrat
Could it be?
The Aristo News has learned that the body of Sir Mark Sykes, 6th Baron of Sledmere may have died from an early strain of swine flu. The 6th Baron died of Spanish Flu, which is the precursor to what we know as swine flu. Although the 6th Baron died in 1919, he was buried in a lead lined coffin, which helped preserve his lungs & brain tissue. Professor John Oxford hopes that understanding the 1918 flu which killed Mark Sykes may help find a cure for swine flu.
Sir Mark Sykes is the great-grandfather of author Plum Sykes.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
And We're Back!
The Aristo News has returned from a welcomed (and hot) beach break!
Updates will continue as normal on July 27, 2009!
As always, we'll keep you posted...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Aristo News in the Sunshine
The Aristo News has sought refuge in the summer sunshine of a quiet beach retreat for a much needed break. We will keep posting, so check back every now and then...look for one or two posts a day. Keep your tips coming! Always, The Aristo News
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Horse Trails at Powderham Castle to Close in 2010
We're not picking on the Earl of Devon! He's just very popular today!
The Horse Trails at Powderham Castle, the Earl of Devon's home and ancestral seat, will close in 2010. Although no concrete reason has been provided, officials state that the circumstances regarding the closure are beyond their control. We would think that Lord Devon would take every pound that came his way in the light of his less than stellar sale at Sotheby's today... Riders in the past have included the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, who won (with Andrew Nicholson) the advanced section at this year's event.
We can't help but wonder if there's something rotten in Powderham Castle...
If you have any tips, e-mail us at aristotips@gmail.com.
Just in! Marquess of Downshire Scores at Sotheby's Sale!
Unlike the Earl of Devon, the Marquess of Downshire did very well at today's Sotheby's sale. As we previously reported, he was selling a document called "Engineering - The Draining of the Fens". The item had a guide price of ₤20,000-₤30,000, but it sold for a remarkable ₤35,000.
Well done!
It must be said that most items at today's sale went unsold, while others barely reached their minimum guide price. The market seems to be skewed towards buyers, so our aristo's would be advised to keep the family silver at home until the market recovers in their favor. But when you need the money, you need the money...
Just in!!! Results of Earl of Devon's Sotheby's Sale!
The Aristo News has just returned from the Sotheby's sale in London. It was a wonderful affair! Were you there?
As we've reported before, the Earl of Devon was set to sell his "family silver" to help cope with the loss of wedding revenue at his ancestral seat, Powderham Castle. We dug a bit deeper to find that Lord Devon had already sold two pieces at Sotheby's for ₤938,750, which makes us believe that his financial woes may very well be for castle repairs or other financial problems.
Anyway, Lord Devon had eight lots for sale, three of which did not sell. Only one lot (Theological Traits - A Collection of 155 Works) came in over its guide price. The item with the largest guide price, Vindication of the Character and Conduct of Sir William Waller by Sir William Waller, was ₤10,000-₤15,000. This lot was unsold; the highest bid was ₤8,500.
All in all, Lord Devon raised ₤19,600 through the Sotheby's Sale. Coupled with today's sale, Lord Devon has raised ₤958,350 for his castle repairs...or whatever the money's really for... Good luck, Lord Devon!
LOTS SOLD:
₤3,500 for The Elements of Architecture by Henry Wotton (Guide Price: ₤4,000-₤6,000)
₤7,500 for Mahomet the Second, or the Generous Sultan: A Tragedy by John Boevery (Guide Price ₤8,000-₤12,000)
₤800 for The Entertainment of His Most Excellent Majestie Charles II, in His Passage through the City of London to his Coronation (Guide Price: ₤1,000-₤1,500)
₤7,000 for Theological Trairs - A Collection of 155 Works in 9 Volumes (Guide Price: ₤3,000-₤4,000)
₤800 for Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe in 2 Volumes (Guide Price: ₤1,000-₤1,500)
Total of Lots Sold: ₤19,600
UNSOLD LOTS:
Highest Bid: ₤8,500 for Vindication of the Character and Conduct of Sir William Waller by Sir William Waller (Guide Price: ₤10,000-₤15,000 with a ₤10,000 Reserve)
Highest Bid: ₤7,000 for a 17th Century Bible (Guide Price: ₤8,000-₤12,000 with a ₤8,000 Reserve)
Highest Bid: ₤750 for The Mourtray Family by Elizabeth Hervey (Guide Price: ₤1,000-₤1,500 with a ₤1,000 Reserve)
Potential Revenue of Unsold Lots Based on Reserves: ₤19,000
If anything arises, we'll keep you posted.
Click here for today's Sotheby's sale.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Jacobites to Regain Aristo Titles?
The Scotsman is reporting that certain Scottish noble families could regain their noble titles after losing them during the Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century. Certain noble lines lost their estates, titles and lives because they were seen as having "corrupt blood". This campaign to alleviate these families of centuries of ill will has support in the Scottish Parliament, so we'll see how this turns out. If this campaign is successful, it could restore ancient titles to descendants of earls of Panmure, Southesk and Kellie, as well as the Duke of Berwick. It's also interesting to note that on July 24 the heads of Scotland's noble families will meet in the Scottish Parliament for the very first time. Will this be a subject of conversation? Oh, if only we were a fly on that wall.
Viscount Rothermere Named 6th Most Powerful Person in Newspapers
The Guardian has named Viscount Rothermere, the chairman of Daily Mail & General Trust, has been named the sixth most powerful person in newspapers and the thirty-fourth most powerful person in overall media. Viscount Rothermere, also known as Jonathan Harmsworth, fell from the twenty-ninth most powerful person in overall media in 2008.
Click here and here to read the full story.
UK's Richest Aristo Lends Priceless Pieces of Art
The UK's richest aristocrat, the Duke of Westminster, has lent several priceless masterpieces to the Chester Grosvenor Museum in Chester. The four pieces: two Rembrandts and two David Teniers the Younger's, will be on display until September 30, 2009. The Teniers pieces are entitled "Saying Grace before a Meal" and "Interior of a Tavern", while the Rembrandt pieces include "A Man with a Hawk" and "Lady with a Fan".
For more information, click here.
Longines Royal International Horse Show
Aristocrats do frequent the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead before, so there's a good chance you'll run into one.
The show lasts from July 22-26, 2009. Unfortunately, The Aristo News will be abroad during this period, so if you have any tips or pictures, send them to us at aristotips@gmail.com.
For more information about the Longines Royal International Horse Show, click here or call 01273 834315.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Lady Elizabeth Crawshay Fined for Car Accident
Aristocrat Lady Elizabeth Crawshay was fined ₤750 for "driving below that of a reasonable driver" the BBC and WalesOnline are reporting. Apparently, Lady Crawshay's Rover car was involved in a glancing blow with a Subaru Impreza, which crashed into a Saab and killed two people. The driver of the Subaru, Samantha Mead, was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. Lady Crawshay was fined an additional ₤15 victim surcharge, the ₤750 fine and ₤600 in costs; five points were added to her license.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The 2nd Earl Haig Has Passed Away
Yesterday, the 2nd Earl Haig passed away. He was 91. The Earl was best known as a painter, who was admired by the late Queen Mother. Earl Haig is survived by his wife, Donna Geroloma Lopez y Royo di Taurisano, two daughters and his heir, Viscount Dawick.
The Aristo News' thoughts are with his family at this time.
To read his full obituary, click here.
The Aristocracy in the 21st Century
Each month, The Aristo News will write our version of a "Letter from the Editor" based on the news surrounding the aristocracy. We hope you enjoy it! Always, The Aristo News
Last week, Burke’s Peerage announced that they would include illegitimate children of peers in their bible to the aristocracy. While this news may shake some families to the core, others may see it as Burke’s way of entering the twenty-first century. Illegitimate children are nothing new to the titled classes.
Charles, II acknowledged his illegitimate children and even bestowed aristocratic titles upon them. Their descendants include the Duke of Buccleuch, Earl of Plymouth, and the Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Gordon. It’s also interesting that while the illegitimate children will finally be recognized by Burke’s, it remains to be seen if the families of these children will be as welcoming? One can only imagine Christmas morning or the reading of the recently deceased duke’s last will and testament.
Will Burke’s new additions give credence to long whispered rumors that were never substantiated by the men and women who were the source of such scurrilous gossip? Debrett’s, the main competitor to Burke’s, has listed illegitimate children since 1990 (Los Angeles Times). Needless to say, illegitimate children still cannot inherit their parents’ title even if they are the oldest of the peer’s children. It’s unlikely that this will affect the aristocracy in any great way, but it may finally allow those children who were thrust into the shadows to have their own moment in the sun.
Burke’s also announced that they will list children in their birth order, regardless of sex. This is great news for the women of aristocratic families who have long been pushed to the bottom of their parents’ birth order in favor of their brothers. However, the eldest daughter still cannot inherit the family title. No, that’s still reserved for the oldest son or eldest male relative to outlive the current title holder.
History has shown us that upon the 1st Duke of Marlborough’s death in 1722, his eldest daughter, Henrietta, became the 2nd Duchess of Marlborough since her father had no male relative to carry on the title. It wasn’t as easy as Henrietta simply inheriting the title; a special act of Parliament had to be passed for Henrietta to become the duchess. Interestingly enough, the Dukedom of Marlborough is the only one in the United Kingdom that can still pass to the female line.
The Barony of de Walden fell into abeyance after the death of the 9th Baron de Walden in 1999. It wasn’t until 2004 that Queen Elizabeth; II took the barony out of abeyance in order for the 9th Baron’s eldest daughter, Mary, to become to the 10th Baroness Howard de Walden. Mary is also the third richest aristocrat on The Aristo News’ “Ten Richest Aristocrats in the UK” list.
Could Parliament call an end to male preference lineages in favor of a full primogeniture (or birth order preference)? There have been rumblings that the UK monarchy should adopt this system, which is already in use in Sweden, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, and Denmark. If women were to inherit the title, one could simply state that the title of peerage could not change, no matter what the children are called. For example, if the woman is Mary Hart, 3rd Duchess of Holm and she marries John Draper, her son would be known as the John Draper, 4th Duke of Holm. Maybe we’re oversimplifying the issue, but it’s something to think about.
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