Dukes

A duke is a noble title used in several European peerages and in some other monarchies. The holder is typically the head of a duchy, a territory associated with the title. In many traditions, dukes rank among the highest nobles, often below royalty, and their titles are sometimes granted for allegiance, service, or to noble houses. The word derives from the Latin dux, meaning leader or commander.

Historically, dukes emerged in medieval Europe as powerful territorial rulers within kingdoms or empires. They administered lands, commanded armed forces, and administered justice within their duchies. Their authority varied by region and period, ranging from semi-sovereign rule within a larger realm to more constrained governance under a king or emperor. Dukes were usually vassals of a higher sovereign and could hold considerable influence at court.

Across countries, the specifics of the title and its succession differ. In the British peerage, the duke is the highest rank of the non-royal titles, and the duchy often refers to the lands and revenues associated with the title. Other monarchies use similar structures with the French duc, Spanish duque, and German dux or Herzog. The feminine form is duchess, and the title can pass to heirs generally by hereditary succession or under special remainder.

Today, ducal titles are commonly ceremonial in constitutional monarchies, though they may still carry historic prestige, land, or seats in legislative bodies in certain systems.