Prince Louis is currently the youngest Cambridge sibling, but when he is older he is likely to be given a new title – although it is unlikely to be the Duke of York
Prince Louis may lose his future royal title(Image: Samir Hussein, Samir Hussein/WireImagevia Getty Images)
A Royal expert has suggested that Prince Louis is unlikely to inherit the title of Duke of York, a title long associated with the sovereign’s second son and recently relinquished by Prince Andrew. The tradition dates back to King Edward IV in 1474.
However, due to Prince Andrew’s tarnished reputation and alleged ties with billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Richard Fitzwilliams believes it will be “too soon” for young Prince Louis to take on the title when he comes of age, given its recent association with Andrew.
Speaking to GB News, the Royal expert said, “Certain titles are identified with their holders, maybe unfairly. We are in an age where instant information is available and the Duke of York rings alarm bells worldwide.”
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He further stated, “There probably will never be another Duke of York,” suggesting that the media and Royal commentators will “still be using that Newsnight interview in 50 years.”
Prince Louis’ title is at risk because of Prince Andrew’s controversies(Image: Josh Shinner)
Fitzwilliams was referring to Prince Andrew’s ill-fated 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis, where he tried to clear his name and quell rumors about his friendship with Epstein, but instead made matters worse, reports the Mirror.
Drawing from historical precedent, Mr Fitzwilliams predicted, “There won’t be another Duke of Windsor.”
The Duke of Windsor was the title held by King Edward VIII, who abdicated to marry American divorceĢe Wallis Simpson, causing a global sensation.
Mr Fitzwilliams also told the Mirror that the Duke of York title will forever be linked with Prince Andrew’s controversies, stating, “The title has now, owing to the atrocious behaviour of the current incumbent – though he denies the charges against him – become notorious worldwide. The crisis over Andrew is far from over, but don’t expect Louis to take it on. If it has a curse, it’s Andrew who has made it toxic.”
Prince Andrew stepped down from his royal title after emails from Virginia Giuffre(Image: PA)
Instead of Prince Louis inheriting the Duke of York title, he could be set to receive a different but equally prestigious honor. In 2023, King Charles bestowed the Duke of Edinburgh title upon his youngest brother Prince Edward.
This meant his wife Sophie, previously the Countess of Wessex, became the Duchess of Edinburgh while their 16 year old son James, Viscount Severn became the new Earl of Wessex.
However, there was one significant condition attached to Edward’s new Edinburgh title – it will only remain his during his lifetime and cannot be passed down. When Edward passes away, the Duke of Edinburgh title will return to the Crown instead of going to his son James.
Princes Louis could possible receive a different title(Image: WireImage)
This creates an opportunity for one of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children to potentially receive the title later on, with Louis being the most probable choice. Among William and Kate’s children, Prince George is destined to be a future King, while Princess Charlotte is likely to become the Princess Royal one day.
This leaves their youngest, Louis, with the potential to be named Duke of Edinburgh, or any other title that Charles or his father William may choose if he ascends to the throne at that time.
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