So, How Many Dukes Are Actually Roaming Around England?
Ah, England. Land of crumpets, queuing, and, of course, posh folk with fancy titles. But amongst all the earls, barons, and viscounts, there's a question that's been puzzling commoners for centuries: just how many dukes are there traipsing about these days?
Well, my friend, fret no more! We're about to delve into the fascinating, and slightly surprising, world of English dukes. Buckle up, because it's going to be a right riot.
How Many Living Dukes Are There In England |
Not as Many as You Think (Unless You Count the Royal Posse)
Here's the shocker: there are only around 24 non-royal dukes kicking about in England (technically the whole UK, but we're focusing on England for this regal romp). That's a pretty exclusive club, even more so than your local country club (with better scones, we presume).
Why so few? Well, creating new duke titles these days is about as common as finding a pasty that isn't beige. Most of these titles are hereditary, passed down through families like a dusty old crown.
But Wait, There's More! (The Royal Round-Up)
Now, before you start picturing these dukes as chaps in tweed jackets, living in drafty castles, there's another twist. There are also five royal dukedoms, held by members of the royal family. These are more ceremonial titles, but hey, a duke's a duke, right?
Tip: Write down what you learned.
So, if you add up the royal crew and the non-royals, you're looking at a grand total of around 30 dukes in the whole of the UK. That's still not a massive crowd, but it's enough to make you wonder if you might bump into one at the pub (probably not, but hey, a man can dream!).
Fun Fact: Prince Charles holds the rather snazzy title of Duke of Cornwall, which comes with a rather sizeable estate (like, seriously big, we're talking 135,000 acres!).
So, You Want to Be a Duke? (No, You Probably Don't)
Let's be honest, being a duke sounds pretty darn swanky. But here's the thing: unless you're born into the right family or get your name on the Queen's New Year's Honours list (and let's face it, the odds of that are about as good as winning the lottery twice), then becoming a duke is strictly off the menu.
But fear not! There are plenty of other ways to feel like royalty. Here's a few ideas:
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
- Invest in a really posh dressing gown.
- Perfect your afternoon tea etiquette (pinkies out, darling!).
- Binge-watch every season of The Crown.
You won't get a fancy title, but you'll definitely feel regal.
FAQ: Your Duke-ly Dilemmas Answered
How to curtsy to a duke?
No need to go full-on medieval bow here. A simple nod and a "Your Grace" will do the trick.
How to address a duke in a letter?
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
Start with "Dear Duke [Duke's name]," and keep it formal.
How to become a duke's best friend?
Well, that's a tricky one. Maybe try befriending their corgi?
How to avoid accidentally insulting a duke?
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Just avoid mentioning the price of tea and biscuits.
How to tell if someone is a real duke?
If they're wearing a crown while riding the tube, that's a red flag. Otherwise, a quick Google search should do the trick.