Earldom of Inverness: A History of Royal Titles
The Earldom of Inverness (Scottish Gaelic: Iarla Inbhir Nis) is a distinguished title of nobility within the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Throughout its history, the title has primarily served as a subsidiary title—a secondary title held by a peer—for various members of the British royal family. While it has been created multiple times, its journey reflects the complex intersections of royal succession, legal disputes, and modern public sentiment.
The origins of the title date back to 1718, when it was first established in the Jacobite Peerage of Scotland. This early version was created by James Francis Edward Stuart (known as James III & VIII) for the Honourable John Hay of Cromlix. Hay was later created the Duke of Inverness in 1727, though both titles became extinct upon his death in 1740.
Key Facts
- Current Status: Extant, but not currently in use.
- Most Recent Creation: 23 June 1986 by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Primary Purpose: Historically used as a subsidiary title for the Duke of York or Duke of Sussex.
- Legal Requirement: An Act of Parliament is required to formally remove a peerage once it has been conferred.
The Four Creations of the United Kingdom Peerage
Following the Jacobite era, the Earldom was recreated four separate times within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, each time linked to the royal house.
First Creation (1801)
The title was first granted in 1801 to Prince Augustus Frederick, the sixth son of George III and the Duke of Sussex. This creation became extinct in 1843. Interestingly, his second wife, Cecilia Underwood, was granted the title of Duchess of Inverness in her own right. This was necessary because their marriage was legally void under the Royal Marriages Act 1772. Her title became extinct upon her death in 1873.
Second Creation (1892)
In 1892, the title was bestowed upon Prince George (the future King George V), the second son of the Prince of Wales. It served as a subsidiary title alongside the Dukedom of York. When George ascended the throne in 1910, the title merged with the crown, meaning it ceased to exist as a separate entity because the monarch holds all titles.
Third Creation (1920)
The Earldom was revived in 1920 for Prince Albert (the future King George VI), the second son of George V. Like his father, he held the title as a subsidiary to the Dukedom of York. The title merged with the crown again in 1936 upon his accession to the throne.
Fourth Creation (1986)
The most recent creation occurred on 23 June 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II granted the title to her second son, Prince Andrew. This was paired with the Dukedom of York and the title of Baron Killyleagh. The remainder of this title is designated to the 1st Earl's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten.
Modern Controversy and Current Status
In recent years, the Earldom of Inverness has been the subject of public scrutiny. Starting in 2019, residents of Inverness launched campaigns and petitions to strip Prince Andrew of the title, citing his association with Jeffrey Epstein as inappropriate for a title linked to their city. A renewed petition followed in 2022.
On 17 October 2025, Prince Andrew announced that he would cease to use all of his honours and titles. While the title remains extant (legally existing), it is currently not in use.
Summary of the Earldom's History
| Creation | Year | Primary Holder | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobite | 1718 | John Hay of Cromlix | Extinct (1740) |
| 1st (UK) | 1801 | Prince Augustus Frederick | Extinct (1843) |
| 2nd (UK) | 1892 | Prince George (George V) | Merged with Crown (1910) |
| 3rd (UK) | 1920 | Prince Albert (George VI) | Merged with Crown (1936) |
| 4th (UK) | 1986 | Prince Andrew | Extant, not in use |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a title "merges with the crown"?
When a person holding a peerage becomes the Sovereign (the King or Queen), their individual titles merge with the crown. This happens because the monarch is the source of all titles in the peerage and cannot hold a title from themselves.
Can a royal title be removed by a petition?
No. While petitions can express public sentiment, a peerage once conferred can only be formally removed through an Act of Parliament.
Who is the current holder of the Earldom of Inverness?
The current holder is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, although he announced in October 2025 that he would cease to use the title.
Why was Cecilia Underwood given the title of Duchess of Inverness?
Because her marriage to Prince Augustus Frederick was legally void under the Royal Marriages Act 1772, she could not automatically share her husband's titles. Therefore, the title was granted to her in her own right.
Is the Earldom of Inverness a Scottish title?
While the name refers to a Scottish city and the original 1718 creation was in the Jacobite Peerage of Scotland, the subsequent four creations were part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom.