Understanding the Inheritance of Titles for Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the firstborn son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has been a subject of much public interest. A key question often raised is whether he will inherit the lesser title of Earl of Dumbarton, alongside his other titles. This article will elucidate the complexities surrounding this matter, focusing on the traditional and legal aspects of title inheritance in the United Kingdom.

The Current Situation

As of now, Archie is entitled to use the secondary title of Earl of Dumbarton as a courtesy title. This means that he can use the title before he officially inherits it. However, it is important to note that this courtesy title is not a person's substantive title, which is only granted upon the death of the current holder. Therefore, unless he actually inherits the title, Archie is not a member of the peerage in the traditional sense.

Laws and Traditional Practices

The inheritance of titles is governed by both law and tradition. According to British law, Archie will inherit all of his father's peerage titles upon the death of Prince Harry. This means that once Harry passes away, Archie will hold the titles of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel by virtue of being the oldest son. However, as of now, he is not the legal holder of these titles, and he is not yet a member of the House of Lords, as these titles are not substantive titles held directly by Harry himself.

The Use of Courtesy Titles

A courtesy title is a title that a younger son or other male relative is allowed to use based on tradition rather than legal right. In the case of Archie, it is customary for him to use the title of Earl of Dumbarton. However, he can choose not to use it and still be considered the legal heir to all three titles.

There are no specific legal requirements for when a courtesy title can be used. The decision typically rests with the individual, but it is common for a person to start using the title when they are 18 or 21, depending on personal preference. Archie might choose to use the title as a form of heritage pride, or he might prefer to go by his first name.

Substantive Titles vs. Courtesy Titles

To clarify, there is a distinction between substantive titles and courtesy titles. Prince Harry holds substantive titles (Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel) which allow him to sit in the House of Lords. These titles are direct and hold legal recognition. However, the Earl of Dumbarton, while significant in prestige, is not a substantive title that Archie would use in the House of Lords.

Hereditary Peerages and Inheritance

Since Archie's father was granted a hereditary peerage by the Queen, the titles are subject to the law of primogeniture, meaning they pass to the next generation upon the death of the current holder. This legal framework governs the inheritance of the titles, ensuring that Archie will inevitably inherit them at some point in the future.

There is no need for an announcement regarding the potential transfer of the Earl of Dumbarton title to Archie, as the future inheritance is already established by law. Archie will inherit all of his father's titles at once, including the Earl of Dumbarton, upon his father's death.

Conclusion

In summary, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will inherit the title of Earl of Dumbarton upon the death of his father, Prince Harry. However, the title is currently a courtesy one and not a substantive title he can use in the House of Lords. This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal and traditional aspects of royal family titles in the United Kingdom.