A royal duke is a duke in the British royal family who holds an important title and is entitled to his style of His Royal highness. The title of a duke is especially created for the legitimate sons as well as the male line grandsons of the British royal lineage.
In most of the cases, the titles of duke royals are inherited but cease to be royal once they pass beyond the level of the grandsons. There is a certain hierarchical order which is thus formed and decides who serves at what capacity. The following is a detailed Duke royal hierarchical structure which is given below for your reference.
The queen
The queen holds the topmost and most prestigious title in British royal family and also among the Dukes. She may not directly be a Duke herself but is the one under whom all the other Duke Royalty titles come. She is the supreme power in the country.
Duke of Edinburgh
This is the highest Duke title in the lineage and is currently held Prince Philip who is the husband of Elizabeth II.
Duke of York
This is the next highest title in the Duke royal hierarchy and is a title which is currently held by Prince Andrew who is the son of Elizabeth II.
Duke of Cambridge
This is the third highest title in the Duke royal hierarchy or organization structure and is given to Grandson of Elizabeth II. This title is currently held by Prince William.
Duke of Gloucester
This is yet another title in the royal lineage of the Dukes. This title is given to the grandson of George V and is currently held by Prince Richard.
Duke of Kent
Duke of Kent comes at the 5th position in the hierarchy of the Dukes in Britain. This position is currently held by Prince Edward and is too given to the grandson of George V.
Secondary titles
The secondary titles are the 2nd level of titles in the Duke hierarchy and the following are the main ones:
- Duke of Cornwall-this is the secondary title of the sovereigns eldest son in England. This title is currently held by Charles who is the Prince of Wales. He also enjoys lifetime tenure of life interest in Duchy of Cornwall.
- Duke of Rothesay-this is the secondary title sovereign’s heir apparent in Scotland and this title is currently held by Prince Charles.