Dukedoms of the United Kingdom

[Robert_Hall]

All this may change, if the momentum of discussion about the succession  continues.

[CHRISinUSA]

Why is that Robert?  Any change now would not affect the next two monarchs, so perhaps another 50-60- years before William's offspring (be they male or female) would succeed.  I too find the topic of nobility interesting (perhaps because we Americans sadly have no such comparable honors to aspire to).  I like the idea of royal dukedoms granted to a monarch's children, as it creates a new "house" of a monarch's descendants. 

However, for those who dislike the idea of hereditary peerages, why not adopt the Spanish or Swedish system whereby a monarch's children are created dukes or duchesses as a personal (non hereditary) title?  And frankly, I like that these kingdoms bestow dukedoms on both sons and daughters, while extending the title to a husband in the same manner as a wife. 

[Robert_Hall]

 Yes, I like those models as well. Life peerages.  Makes much more sense in a modern monarchy. After all, we are long past the 15th century.

[mcdnab]

I think its a sensible point - but much depends on the style of monarchy and the nature of the country. The trouble is when you have people who are effectively the grandchildren of a reigning monarch who have, because they have no title and no royal duties and no civil list allowance,  the freedom to earn a living but being so closely related to the monarch they have virtually the same restrictions on the type of career they might pursue as their titled cousins. Particulary if you look at the flack some members of the Brtiish Royal family have faced because of their chosen career.

[Robert_Hall]

They get  good educations, for the most part.  And unless a real ditz, they can make a decent, if not privileged living. Freddy Windsor, for example  tried his hand at modeling, entertainment and last I heard banking [maybe not the best choice there] And he is not even duke, royal or otherwise. Just being from those classes gets them on boards, whether or not the actually do anything. I know a  son of a very prominent duke [non-royal]  who is a total waste of time when it  comes to career,  but he does  not care,  idle rich is his lifestyle but he is on  several boards.  Just his name opens doors. Perhaps not as much as before,  but class does still count- way too much in many cases. By the way, I like him a lot,  we have been friends for years.