Royal Dukedoms

[jack]

The first Duke of York (and Earl of Cambridge) was Edmund of Langley, fourth son of Edward III. His descendant, Edward Plantagenet seized the throne from Henry VI (descendant of John of Gaunt, third son of Edward III and created Duke of Lancaster) in the wars of the roses. Edward became Edward IV and the titles merged with the crown.

The title has often been granted to male relatives of the monarch, usually a second son. Something similar happened with the Duke of Lancaster and presumably the other Royal Dukedoms

What I didn't realise is that the Duke of York is still a hereditary title. If the holder has any male children, it will be passed on. It's just that since Edward IV, it's been granted to:

* Henry VIII
* Charles I
* James II&VII
* George V

who all became monarch after their elder brother predeceased them, and to

* George VI

who became monarch after his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated, and to

* Richard of Shrewsbury (one of the princes in the tower)
* Prince Ernest (younger brother of George I)
* Prince Edward (younger brother of George III)
* The Prince Frederick (younger brother of George IV)

who all died without legitimate children, and to

* The Prince Andrew, younger son of the queen

who has two daughters.

So in every case for the last six hundred years, the title has been granted, but reverted to the crown.