Royal Marriages: Is Blood Royal or Title Royal?
The dynamics of royal marriages can sometimes seem confusing. Just how does a marriage into the royal family change one's status, especially regarding titles and family names? This article aims to demystify these concepts and explore the intricacies involved.
The Case of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
Take the lives of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie for instance. While they remain princesses, their husbands have not been given royal titles. These marriages highlight the varying traditions that determine whether a spouse becomes part of the royal lineage. For instance, Princess Beatrice’s husband, Christopher Liam Gilroy, was given the title of Count in Ireland, which makes her a Countess as well. In contrast, although Princess Anne didn’t want her first husband, Mark Phillips, to have a royal title, their children were raised not as royals but as commoners, emphasizing an independent path often chosen by non-royal spouses or as a condition of the marriage.
Other Examples of Royal Marriages
Another interesting instance is the marriage of Princess Marina, a Greek princess by birth, to the Duke of Kent. Their sons, Prince Edward and Prince Michael, were marked by their royal parentage, which led to their inclusion in the ranks of the royal family.
The Role of Common Spouses and Their Offspring
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect is the fate of common spouses who marry into royalty. Their status and titles do not automatically transfer directly to them, but if the royal partner is a male, their children will indeed be considered royal. Princess Diana offers a poignant example; as the daughter of the Earl Spencer, she initially was a noblewoman, but only gained the title of Princess of Wales when she married Prince Charles. When Diana divorced Charles, she became the less titled Diana, Princess of Wales, yet her children, William and Harry, remained heirs to the monarchy.
Open Titles and Titles for Female Royals
Female royals have different rules. For instance, when the Duke of Edinburgh married Sophie Rhys-Jones, she became the countess, and their child Lady Louise had the option to take a higher title.
When Female Royals Marry Non-Royals
Interestingly, when a female royal marries a commoner, she typically retains her royal status. The titles of their children, however, can follow a different path. For example, the children of the Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson, and the Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, all hold royal titles despite their mothers’ non-royal status. This is often due to a parent being a prince or a working royal.
These examples illustrate the complex yet often illogical nature of royal titles and bloodlines. The idea of 'royal blood' or 'royal genes' holds no scientific or logical merit. Every individual deserves respect and dignity regardless of their lineage or the titles they carry.