Duke of Gloucester ( /ˈɡlɒstər/) is a British royal title (after Gloucester), often conferred on one of the sons of the reigning monarch. The first four creations were in the Peerage of England, the next in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the last in the Peerage of the United Kingdom; this current creation carries with it the subsidiary titles of Earl of Ulster and Baron Culloden.
The title was first conferred on Thomas of Woodstock, the thirteenth child of King Edward III. The title became extinct at his death, as it did upon the death of the Duke of the second creation, Humphrey of Lancaster, fourth son of King Henry IV.
The title was next conferred on Richard Plantagenet, brother to King Edward IV. When Richard himself became King, the dukedom merged into the crown. After Richard's death, the title was considered ominous, since the first three such Dukes had all died without issue to inherit their titles. The title was not awarded for over 150 years, the next to receive the dukedom being the son of King Charles I, Henry Stuart, upon whose death the title became officially extinct.
William, son of Queen Anne, was styled "Duke of Gloucester" for his whole life (1689–1700), but was never created Duke. Frederick, Prince of Wales was styled "Duke of Gloucester" from 1718–1726, but was then created Duke of Edinburgh rather than of Gloucester.
The next actual creation was for the brother of George III, Prince William Henry, the full title being "Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh".
The fifth and final creation was for Prince Henry, son of George V. Upon Prince Henry's death, the dukedom was inherited by his son Prince Richard, who still holds the title. The heir to the title is presently Alexander Windsor, styled Earl of Ulster. The next in the line of succession is the Earl of Ulster's infant son Xan Windsor, known by his grandfather's third title of Lord Culloden.
There is a preserved steam locomotive called Duke of Gloucester.
See also Earl of Gloucester.
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