Queen gives Prince Harry the title Earl of Dumbarton
- Published
What does Dumbarton think about the royal title?
Prince Harry has been given a Scottish title by the Queen.
He will be the third Earl of Dumbarton - a title that has strong military connections and one not used since 1749.
On her marriage, Meghan Markle has become the Countess of Dumbarton.
The first to hold the title was George Douglas, a younger son of the first Marquess of Douglas, who was created Earl of Dumbarton in 1675.
A Scottish nobleman and soldier, George was given the title by Charles II in recognition of his military service.
On George's death at St German-en-Laye in France, the title passed to his son, also called George, who became the second Earl of Dumbarton.
The title became extinct when the second earl died in 1749, meaning it has not been used in more than 260 years.
Dumbarton, on the north bank of the River Clyde, to the west of Glasgow was founded in the fifth century and was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde.
It is the site of a volcanic rock on which stands Dumbarton Castle. During its long history, the castle has been both a royal residence and a fortress.
Dumbarton was a Royal Burgh between 1222 and 1975.
Mary Queen of Scots was kept at the castle as a young child for several months in 1548 for her safety before she embarked for France to become the bride of the Dauphin, the young French prince.
- Published19 May 2018
