Styles of the members of the British royal family:
Documents

Introduction

This page presents original documents relating to styles and titles of the British royal family (see the general discussion).

The first part of this page contains official grants and decisions on styles and titles issued by the sovereign in any form (letters patent, warrants, etc).  First, general grants are presented (that is, grants that apply to classes of people); then, individual grants (that is, grants that apply to one or more named individual and possibly their issue).  Finally, some documents are presented concerning relatives of the Royal family who were not necessarily considered part of the Royal family but received special treatment: the Tecks, Battenbergs, and Gleichens.

The second part presents evidence of official usage (usage in official documents, particularly documents emanating from or signed by the sovereign) for certain individuals: the descendants of the duke of Cumberland (royal family of Hanover from 1837), and the successive princes of Wales (from 1716 to the present prince).

The third part collects warrants relating to the heraldry of members of the British royal family.

In almost every instance, the text I reproduce is the actual warrant or letters patent.  The full text of these documents is rarely published, and I have reproduced either the original document or certified copies found in the National Archives or in the records of the College of Arms (reproduced with kind permission of the College).  Usually, a grant or decision is gazetted in the London Gazette, and some report will also appear in the Times.  Although the texts sent to the Gazette were drafted and reviewed in the Home Office, the announcement is an abridgement of the original document, usually omitting the preamble and sometimes differing in the exact wording of the dispositive part.  Occasionally, however, the Gazette announcement conveys additional information that is not in the letters patent (for example, in 1957, the Queen's wishes as to the manner in which her husband should be designated). Therefore, I have also reproduced the Gazette or Times announcements, indented to the right.

It should be noted that the by-line date under which the document is gazetted is not necessarily the same as the date of the document itself.  Sometimes, the announcement specifies the date of the document (e.g., 'by Letters Patent dated ..."), but oftentimes it doesn't.

1. Grants and Decisions

1A: General

Children of sons of the Sovereign (Jan 30, 1864)

See a picture of the original letter patents (Credit: The National Archives, ref. HO125/1).

Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith To all to Whom these presents shall come Greeting : Whereas we taking into our Royal consideration that the Princes and Princesses of Our Royal Family descended from and in lineal succession to the Crown as now established by law all bear the style and title of Highness but that it has not been declared or defined by due authority what members of the Royal Family (other than the Children of the Sovereign) are entitled to the style of “Royal Highness”. We deem it therefore expedient that the same should be henceforth established defined and limited in manner hereinafter declared: Know Ye therefore that in the exercise of Our Royal and undoubted Prerogative and of Our Especial grace We do hereby declare our Royal Will and Pleasure  that besides the Children of the Sovereign of these Realms the Children of the Sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of “Royal Highness” with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of Honor: Our Will and Pleasure further is that Our Earl Marshal of England or his Deputy for the time being do cause these our Letters Patent or the Enrolment thereof to be recorded in the College of Arms to the end that our Officers of Arms and all others may take due notice thereof.  In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent.  Witness Ourself at Westminster the thirtieth day of January in the twenty seventh year of Our Reign.

By Warrant under the Queen's Sign Manual.
    C. Romilly

(Original letters patent, National Archives, HO 125/1)

Whitehall, Feb. 3.
The Queen has been pleased by letters patent under the Great Seal, to declare her Royal will and pleasure that, besides the children of the Sovereigns of these realms, the children of the sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland shall have, and at all times hold and enjoy, the style, title or attribute of Royal Highnes with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective christian names, or with their other titles of honour; and further to declare her will and pleasure that the Earl Marshal of England, or his Deputy for the time being, do cause the said letters patent to be recorded in Her Majesty's College of Arms to the end that the officers of arms, and all others, may take due notice thereof.

Children of the eldest son of any Prince of Wales (May 28, 1898)

Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Whereas by virtue of Our Letters Patent dated the thirtieth of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four wherein We declared Our Royal will and pleasure in that behalf the children of the sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland are entitled to the style of "Royal Highness" Know Ye that in the exercise of our Royal and undoubted prerogative and of Our especial grace We do hereby declare our further Royal will and pleasure that the children of the eldest son of any Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of "Royal Highness" in addition to such titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names or other titles of honour if any as they may otherwise possess Our will and pleasure further is that Our Earl Marshal of England or his deputy for the time being do cause these our Letters Patent or the enrolment thereof to be recorded in Our College of Arms to the end that Our officers of Arms and all others may take due notice thereof.  In Witness whereof we have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent.. Witness Ourself etc.

(from a copy in the National Archives, LCO 2/2028)


An earlier draft of the letters patent contained the words, after "otherwise possess" : "and that the title of "Highness" shall be held and enjoyed by the other great grandchildren of the sovereign".

German titles (July 17, 1917)

By the KING. A PROCLAMATION declaring that the Name of Windsor is to be borne by his Royal House and Family and Relinquishing the Use of All German Titles and Dignities.

GEORGE R.I.
WHEREAS We, having taken into consideration the Name and Title of Our Royal House and Family, have determined that henceforth Our House and Family shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor:
And whereas We have further determined for Ourselves and for and on behalf of Our descendants and all other the descendants of Our Grandmother Queen Victoria of blessed and glorious memory to relinquish and discontinue the use of all German Titles and Dignities:
And whereas We have declared these Our determinations in Our Privy Council:
Now, therefore, We, out of Our Royal Will and Authority, do hereby declare and announce that as from the date of this Our Royal Proclamation Our House and Family shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, and that all the descendants in the male line of Our said Grandmother Queen Victoria who are subjects of these Realms, other than female descendants who may marry or may have married, shall bear the said Name of Windsor:
And do hereby further declare and announce that We for Ourselves and for and on behalf of Our descendants and all other the descendants of Our said Grandmother Queen Victoria who are subjects of these Realms, relinquish and enjoin the discontinuance of the use of the Degrees, Styles, Dignities, Titles and Honours of Dukes and Duchesses of Saxony and Princes and Princesses of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and all other German Degrees, Styles, Dignities. Titles, Honours and Appellations to Us or to them heretofore belonging or appertaining.
Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace, this Seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand nine hundred and seventeen, and in the Eighth year of Our Reign.
GOD save the KING.

(London Gazette, issue 30186, July 17, 1917, p. 1.)

Members of the Royal Family (Nov  30, 1917)

See a picture of the original letter patents (Credit: The National Archives, ref. HO125/15).

George the Fifth by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting: Whereas Her late Majesty Queen Victoria did by Her Letters Patent dated the thirtieth day of January in the twenty seventh year of Her Reign declare her Royal Pleasure as to the style and title of the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family in the manner in the said Letters Patent particularly mentioned  And whereas we deem it expedient that the said Letters Patent should be extended and amended and that the styles and titles to be borne by the Princes and Princesses of the Royal Family should be henceforth established defined and limited in manner hereinafter declared  Now Know Ye that We of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion do hereby declare our Royal Will and Pleasure that the children of any Sovereign of these Realms and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour  And We do further declare our Royal Will and Pleasure that save as aforesaid the style title or attribute of Royal Highness Highness or Serene Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess shall not henceforth be assumed or borne by any descendent of any Sovereign of these Realms excepting always any such descendant who at the date of these Letters Patent holds or bears any right to any such style degree attribute or titular dignity in pursuance of any Letters Patent granted by Ourselves or any of Our Royal Predecessors and still remaining unrevoked it being Our Royal Will and Pleasure that the grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms  Our Will and Pleasure further is that Our Earl Marshal of England or his deputy for the time being do cause these our Letters Patent or the enrolment thereof to be recorded in Our College of Arms to the end that Our officers of Arms and all others may take due notice thereof.  In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the thirtieth day of November in the eighth year of Our reign.

By Warrant under the King's Sign Manual.
    Schuster.

(Original letters patent, National Archives, HO 125/15. See also College of Arms, ms. I78/25.)

Whitehall, 11th December, 1917.
The KING has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date the 30th ultimo, to define the styles and titles to be borne henceforth by members of the Royal Family. It is declared by the Letters Patent that the children of any Sovereign of the United Kingdom and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honour; that save as aforesaid the titles of Royal Highness, Highness or Serene Highness, and the titular dignity of Prince and Princess shall cease except those titles already granted and remaining unrevoked; and that the grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes.

(London Gazette, issue 30428, Dec. 14, 1917, p. 2.)

House of Windsor (Apr 9, 1952)

At the Court at Clarence House, the 9th day of April, 1952
Present, The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council

Her Majesty was this day pleased to make the following Declaration:
-"My Lords,
I hereby declare My Will and Pleasure that I and My children shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, and that My descendants, other than female descendants who marry and their descendants, shall bear the Name of Windsor".

P.J. FERNAU.

(copy, National Archives, HO 290/72)

Clarence House, April 9th. 1952.
The Queen to-day declared in Council Her Will and Pleasure that She and her children shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, and that Her descendants, shall bear the name of Windsor.

(London Gazette, issue 39513, Apr. 11, 1952, p. 1/2013).

House of Windsor (Feb 8, 1960)

At the Court at Buckingham  Palace, The 8th day of February 1960.
Present, the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

Her Majesty was this day pleased to make the following declaration:
"My Lords
Whereas on the 9th day of April 1952, I did declare in Council My Will and Pleasure that I and My children shall be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, and that My descendants, other than female descendants who marry and their descendants, shall bear the name of Windsor:
And whereas I have given further consideration to the position of those of My descendants who will enjoy neither the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness, nor the titluar dignity of Prince and for whom therefore a surname will be necessary:
And whereas I have concluded that the Declaration made by Me on the 9th day of April 1952, should be varied in its application to such persons:
Now therefore I declare My Will and Pleasure that, while I and My Children shall continue to be styled and known as the House and Family of Windsor, My descendants other than descendants enjoying the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess and female descendants who marry and their descendants shall bear the name of Mountbatten-Windsor."

(London Gazette, issue 41948, Feb. 8, 1960, p. 1/1003.  See also the Times Feb 9, 1960 p. 10E.)

Former Wives (1996)

Elizabeth the Second by the grace of God and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of our other realms and territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to all to whom these presents shall come greeting. Whereas her late Majesty Queen Victoria by her Letters Patent dated the 30th day of January in the 27th year of her reign did in exercise of her royal prerogative establish define and limit entitlement to the style “Royal Highness” and did declare her royal will and pleasure that certain members of the royal family namely the children of a sovereign of these realms and the children of the sons of a sovereign should have the style title or attribute of royal highness: and whereas her late majesty queen Victoria by her letters patent dated the 27th day of May in the 61th year of her reign did extend and amend the said letters patent by declaring that as well as hereinbefore mentioned the children of the eldest son of the prince of Wales should have the style title or attribute of royal Highness and Whereas His late Majesty King George V by his letters patent dated the 30th day of Nov in the 8th year of his reign did amend the said letters patent by declaring that of the children of the eldest son o the Prince of Wales only he eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have the style title of attribute of Royal Highness: And Whereas His late Majesty King George VI by his Letters Patent dated the 27th day of May in the 1st year of his Reign did declare that despite his exclusion from the succession the Duke of Windsor should continue to hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of Royal Highness but that his wife and children if any and the children of his sons should not be so entitled: And Whereas by convention the wife of the son of a sovereign of these Realms the wife of a son of a son of a Sovereign and the wife of the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales is entitled to the style title or attribute of Royal Highness: and Whereas We deem it expedient to declare and define by due Authority the entitlement of a former wife (other than a widow until she shall remarry) of a son of a sovereign of these Realms of a son of a son of a Sovereign and of the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales to the style title or attribute of Royal Highness: Now Know Ye that We of our especial Grace certain knowledge and mere motion do hereby declare our royal will and pleasure that a former wife (other than a widow until she shall remarry) of a son of a Sovereign of the Realms of a son of a son of a Sovereign and of the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales shall not be entitled to hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of Royal Highness in Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent witness Ourself at Westminster the 21st day of August in the 45th year of our reign.

By warrant under the Queen’s sign manual.
    Legg

(As recorded in the College of Arms, mss I series, vol. 85, p. 61; reproduced with kind permission of the College of Arms).

Children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales (2012)

1B: Individual

Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester (July 22, 1816)

In the name and on the behalf of His Majesty.
George PR
George the third etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting: Our Will and Pleasure  is and We do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Our Warrant, Our Dear Niece The Princess Sophia Matilda  daughter of our late Brother, His Royal Higness William Henry Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh Earl of Connaught etc shall be styled, entitled and called, "Her Royal Highness" in addition to and before all other styles, titles, and appellation which to Her now do, or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain, in all Deeds, Records, Instruments or Documents whatsoever, wherein she may at any time hereafter be named or described, and we do hereby authorize and empower Our said Dear Niece, henceforth at all time to assume and have, and to be called and and named by the Style Title and Appellation of "Her Royal Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court at Carlton House the 22nd day of July 1816 in the 56th year of our Reign.

By the command etc.
Sidmouth

(National Archives, HO 38/17, p. 380-381)

The Duke of Gloucester (July 22, 1816)

In the name and on the behalf of His Majesty.
George PR
George the third etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting: Our Will and Pleasure  is and We do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Our Warrant, Our Dear Nephew William Frederick Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh Earl of Connaught, Knight of the  Most Noble Order of the Garter &c. son of our late Brother, His Royal Higness William Henry Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh Earl of Connaught etc shall be styled, entitled and called, "His Royal Highness" in addition to and before all other styles, titles, and appellaton which to Him now do, or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain, in all Deeds, Records, Instruments or Documents whatsoever wherein he may at any time hereafter be named or described, and we do hereby authorize and empower Our said Dear Nephew, henceforth at all time to assume and have, and to be called and and named by the Style Title and Appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court at Carlton House the 22nd day of July 1816 in the 56th year of our Reign.

By the command etc.
Sidmouth

(National Archives, HO 38/17, p. 381-382)

Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Apr 6, 1818)

In the name and on the behalf of His Majesty.
George PR
George the third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come greeting: Our Will and Pleasure is, and we do hereby declare and ordain, that from and after the date of this warrant, Prince Leopold George Frederick of Saxe Cobourg of Saalfeld, late consort our Our Most Dear Grand Daughter the Princess Charlotte Augusta, deceased, shall be styled, entitled and called "His Royal Highness" before his name and such Titles and appellations, which to Him now do, or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain, in all Deeds, Records, Instruments or Documents whatsoever, wherein He may at any time hereafter be named or described. And We do hereby authorize and empower the said Prince Leopold George Frederick henceforth and at all times to assume and use, and to be called and named by the style title and appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.
Given at Our Court at Carlton House the Sixth Day of April 1818 in the Fifty Eigth Year of Our Reign.
By the Command of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the Name and on the behalf of His Majesty. Sidmouth.

(National Archives, HO 37/1.)

Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1790-1865) had been destined to become the consort of Queen Charlotte, the only child and heir of the Prince of Wales (future George IV).  The previous consort had been Prince George of Denmark (1653-1708) who, as younger son of king Frederik III of Denmark, was already entitled to the style of Royal Highness (indeed, he outranked his brother-in-law the prince of Orange).  Prince George was created duke of Cumberland on March 20, 1689 in gratitude for his role during the Glorious Revolution; he had also been made a Knight of the Garter in 1684. 

Prince Leopold, a Serene Highness as member of the house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, was married on May 2, 1816 with Princess Charlotte of Wales.  She died on Nov. 6, 1817 from the complications of giving birth to a stillborn.  Prince Leopold remained in London until 1830 when, after turning down the throne of Greece in February, he accepted the throne of Belgium where he reigned as Leopold I.  His sister had married the duke of Kent and hence Queen Victoria was his niece.

Heraldic note: on April 7, 1818 Prince Leopold was granted the following arms: "Royal arms without escocheon of Charlemagne’s crown and without the Hanoverian Royal crown, differenced with a label of five points argent, the centre point charged with a rose gules … quarterly with the arms of his illustrious house, our royal arms in the first and fourth quarter" (HO38 /19   p. 81).

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Feb 6, 1840)

Victoria R
Victoria etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting  Our Will and Pleasure is and We do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Warrant Our dearly beloved Cousin Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel Duke of Saxe Prince of Saxe Coburg anf Gotha, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Gater, shall be styled entitled and called "His Royal Highness" before his Name and such Titles and appellations which to him now do or at any time hereafter may belong or apperatin in all deeds records instruments or documents whatsoever wherein he may at any time herefater be named or described And We do hereby authorize and empower Our said dearly beloved Cousin Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emmanuel Duke of Saxe Prince of Saxe Coburg anf Gotha, henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the style title and appellation of "His Royal Highness".

Given at Our Court at Saint James's this Sixth day of February 1840 in the Third Year of Our Reign.

By Her Majesty's Command
Normanby

(National Archives, HO 38/39, p. 73-74)

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (June 29, 1857)

Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting :
Whereas We are desirous that Our Most Dearly Beloved Consort His Royal Highness Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emanuel Duke of Saxony, Prince of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, and Field Marshal in Our Army should have and enjoy a distinctive Title indicating his Rank and Station in this Our United Kingdom by which he may in all places and on all occasions be designated and known
Now therefore in testimony of the great affection which We bear towards Our said Royal Consort and in order to manifest the same to all other persons whomsoever We do by these Presents grant unto the said Francis Albert Augustus Charles Emanuel Duke of Saxony, Prince of Saxe Coburg and Gotha the Title and Dignity of Prince Consort to be held and enjoyed by him during Our joint lives in all places and on all occasions as his proper Title and Dignity And We do further of Our Royal favor and affection grant unto him Our said Royal Consort that by the said title of Prince Consort He shall have and enjoy the Rank Place Pre-eminence and Precedence which we have already conferred upon him In Witness &c Witness &c
Given at Our Court at St. James' the twenty ninth day of June 1857 in the twenty first year of Our Reign

By Her Majesty's Command
G. Grey

(National Archives, photograph of the warrant in LCO 6/3677)

PRO 30/22/13C, p. 366:  letter from Queen Victoria’s private secretary: memorandum on grant of title of Prince Consort to Albert. June 22, 1857.

Prince Louis of Hesse (July 5, 1862)

Victoria R
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith - To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting!
Our Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby declare and ordain, that from and after the Date of this Warrant, Our Dear Son in Law, His Grand Ducal Highness the Prince Frederic William Louis of Hesse, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, shal lbe styled entitled and called "His Royal Highness: before his Name and such Titles and Appellations which to him now do or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain in all Deeds Records Instruments or Documents whatsoever wherein he may at any time hereafter be named or described, - And We do hereby authorize and empower the saif Prince Frederic William Louis of Hesse henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style, Title and Appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the fifth day of July 1862, In the Twenty sixth Year of Our Reign.
By Her Majesty's Command.
C. Grey

(National Archives, HO 37/2.)

Her Majesty has been pleased to signify her intention of conferring the rank of "His Royal Highness" on Prince Louis of Hesse.

(Times, July 2 1862, p. 9C.)

Prince Ludwig of Hesse (1837-92) was the nephew of grand-duke Ludwig III of Hesse-Darmstadt.  He married Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's second daughter, on July 1, 1862.  The couple returned to live in Germany, contrary to Victoria's expectation.  Ludwig succeeded his uncle as grand-duke Ludwig IV in 1877.  Alice died soon after in 1878.

Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (June 29, 1866)

Victoria R

Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith.  To All to whom these Presents shall come Greeting!  Our Will and Pleasure is, and We do hereby declare and ordain, that from and after the date of this Warrant, Our Dear future Son-in-law, His Serene Highness Prince Frederic Christian Charles Augustus of Sleswig-Holstein Sonderbourg Augustenbourg, shall be styled entitled and called "His Royal Highness", before his name and such Titles and Appellations which to him now do, or at any time hereafter may belong of appertain in all Deeds Records Instruments or Documents whatsoever, whereing he may at any time hereafter be named or described.  And We hereby authorize and empower the said Prince Frederic Christian Charles Augustus of Sleswig-Holstein Sonderbourg Augustenbourg, henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style Title and Appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court at Saint James's the Twenty-Ninth Day of June 1866 in the Thirtieth Year of Our Reign.

By Her Majesty's Command.
G Grey.

(National Archives, HO 38/61, p.396-397)

Whitehall, June 30.
The Queen has ordained that his Serene Highness Prince Frederic Christian Charles Augustus, of Schleswig-Holstein Sonderbourg Augustenbourg, shall henceforth, upon all occasions whatsoever, be styled and called "his Royal Highness" before his name, and such titles as now do or hereafter may belong to him; and to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in Her Majesty's College of Arms.

Children of Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (May 15, 1867)

National Archives, HO 125/2

Victoria R
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith - To Our Right Trusty and Well beloved Councillor Edward George Fitzalan Howard (commonly called Lord Edward George Fitzalan Howard) Deputy to Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Henry Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting! Whereas by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom bearing date the thirtieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four We were pleased to declare Our Royal Will and Pleasure touching the Style and Title of "Royal Highness" and of defining and limiting the same to be used and enjoyed by the Children of the Sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland and upon the thirtieth day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixty six in contemplation of the marriage of Our dear Daughter the Princess Helena Augusta Victoria with the Prince Christian of Schleswig Holstein We were pleased to declare that he should henceforth be styled "His Royal Highness". And Whereas he the said Prince having since become a naturalized subject of Our said United Kingdom We are desirous of defining and fixing the Style by which the Issue of the said Marriage shall be designated such Issue being British born Subjects and Descendants of Our Royal House Now We are hereby pleased to declare that the Sons and Daughters born of the said Marriage of the said Prince and Princess shall at all times hold and enjoy the Style Title and Attribute of "Highness" prefixed to their respective Christian names and any Titles of Honor which may belong to them. And Our Will and Pleasure further is that you Our said Deputy Earl Marshal to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order kept and that the same be duly Registered in Our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof.  In Witness whereof We have caused the Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Saint Jame's the Fifteenth day of May 1867, in the Thirtieth Year of Our Reign.
By the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Signed with Her Own Hand.

See the note on the Schleswig-Holsteins.

Prince Henry of Battenberg (July 22, 1885)

Victoria Reg.
Victoria by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting!

Our will and Pleasure is and We do hereby Declare and Ordain that from and after the date of this Warrant Our dear future son-in-law His Serene Highness Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg shall be styled entitled and called "His Royal Highness" before his name and such Titles and Appellations which to him now do or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain in all Deeds Records Instruments or Documents whatsoever wherein he may at any time hereafter be named or described.
And We do hereby authorize and empower the said Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style and Appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the 22nd day of July 1885 in the 49th year of Our Reign.

By Her Majesty's Command.
Richard Assheton Cross

(National Archives, HO 38/65, p.137-138)

The Queen has been pleased to declare and ordain that his Serene Highness Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg shall henceforth, upon all occasions whatsoever, be styled and called "his Royal Highness" before his name, and such titles as now do or hereafter may belong to him; and to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in Her Majesty's College of Arms.

(Times, Jul 25, 1885, p. 14A, quoting the London Gazette, July 24.)

See the note on the Battenbergs.

Children of Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg (Dec 4, 1886)

Victoria R

Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith - To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Henry Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting! Whereas by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom bearing date the thirtieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four We were pleased to declare Our Royal Will and Pleasure touching the Style and Title of "Royal Highness" and of defining and limiting the same to be used and enjoyed by the Children of the Sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland and upon the twenty second day of July one thousand eight hundred and eighty five in contemplation of the marriage of Our dear Daughter the Princess Beatrice Mary Victoria Feodore with the Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg We were pleased to declare that he should henceforth be styled "His Royal Highness". And Whereas he the said Prince having since become a naturalized subject of Our said United Kingdom We are desirous of defining and fixing the Style by which the Issue of the said Marriage shall be designated such Issue being British born Subjects and Descendants of Our Royal House Now We are hereby pleased to declare that the Sons and Daughters born of the said Marriage of the said Prince and Princess shall at all times hold and enjoy the Style Title and Attribute of "Highness" prefixed to their respective Christian names and any Titles of Honor which may belong to them. And Our Will and Pleasure further is that you Our said Deputy Earl Marshal to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order kept and that the same be duly Registered in Our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof.  In Witness whereof We have caused the Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Saint Jame's the Fourth day of December 1886, in the Fiftieth Year of Our Reign.
By the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Signed with Her Own Hand.

(National Archives, HO 125/3.)

Whitehall, Dec. 13.
The Queen has been pleased, under Her Majesty's Royal Sign Manual and the Great Seal, to declare her Royal will and pleasure that the sons and daughters born of the marriage of his Royal Highness Prince Henry Maurice of Battenberg with Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice Mary Victoria Feodore shall at all times hold and enjoy the style, title and attribute of "Highness" prefixed to their respective Christian names or any titles of honour which may belong to them; and further to declare Her will and pleasure that the Earl Marshal of England do see this declaration kept, and cause the same to be duly registered  in Her Majesty's College of Arms, to the end that the officers of arms, and all others upon occasion, may take full notice and have knowledge thereof.

(Times, Dec 15, 1886, p. 11A; quoting the London Gazette, Dec. 14.)

See the note on the Battenbergs.

Duke of Teck (July 1, 1887)

Victoria R
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith - To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting !

Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Warrant His Serene Highness Francis Paul Charles Louis Alexander Duke of Teck shall be styled entitled and called "His Highness" before his name and such Titles and Appellations which to him now do or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain, in all Deeds, Records, Instruments or Documents whatsoever wherein he may at any time hereafter be named or described. 

And We do hereby authorize and empower the said Francis Paul Charles Louis Alexander Duke of Teck henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style, Title and Appellation of "His Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court of Saint James's, the First day of July 1887; in the Fifty First Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command.
Henry Matthews

(National Archives, HO 125/4.)

Whitehall, July 11.
The Queen has been pleased to declare and ordain that his Serene Highness Francis Paul Charles Louis Alexander, Duke of Teck, shall henceforth, upon all occasions whatsoever, be styled and called "his Highness" before his name, and such titles as now do or hereafter may belong to him; and to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in Her Majesty's College of Arms.

(Times, July 13, 1887, p. 13A; quoting the London Gazette, July 12. )

See the note on the Tecks.

The Princess Royal and her daughters (Nov 9, 1905)

Edward R I
Edward the Seventh  by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Henry Duke of Norfolk, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of Our Royal Victorian Order, Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting!
Whereas We are desirous of defining and fixing the style by which Our dear Daughter Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise Victoria Alexandra Dagmar (Duchess of Fife) shall be designated We are pleased to declare that she shall hereafter be styled  Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal  And Whereas by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the said United Kingdom bearing date the thirtieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four her late Majesty Queen Victoria were pleased to declare Her Royal Will and Pleasure touching the Style and Title of "Royal Highness" and of defining and limiting the same to be used and enjoyed by the Children of the Sons of any Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland; And Whereas We are also desirous of defining and fixing the style and title by which the Children of Our said dear Daughter shall be designated : Now We are hereby pleased to declare that the Lady Alexandra Victoria Alberta Edwina Louise Duff and the Lady Maud Alexandra Georgina Bertha Duff daughters of Our said dear Daughter Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal shall at all times hold and enjoy the style title and attribute of Highness prefixed to such respective styles or titles of Honour as may belong to them and further to declare that Our said dear Grand-daughters shall bear the style of Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names and shall take hold and enjoy during the term of their natural lives in all Assemblies or Meetings whatsoever the Precedence and Rank following that is to say immediately after all Members of Our Royal Family enjoying the style of Royal Highness: Our Will and Pleasure further is that you Our said Earl Marshal to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order kept and that the same be duly Registered in Our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof.  In Witness whereof We have caused the Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace the Ninth day of November One thousand nine hundred and five, in the Fifth Year of Our Reign.
By the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British dominions beyond the seas.  Signed with His Own Hand.

(National Archives, HO 125/5.)


The Princess Royal was Edward VII's eldest daughter Louise (1867-1931).  On July 27, 1889 she married Alexander Duff (1849-1912), earl of Fife (peerage of Ireland, cr 1759, and peerage of the UK, cr 1885). He was created duke of Fife in 1889 with the usual remainder to heirs male.  They only had two daughters, Alexandra (1891-1959), who married in 1913 Prince Arthur of Connaught,  and Maud (1893-1945), who married in 1923 the earl of Southesk.  In 1900, another dukedom of Fife was created with remainder (in default of heirs male) to Alexandra and her heirs male and then Maud and her heirs male.  Alexandra's only son Alastair Arthur died before her in 1943, and the dukedom of Fife passed at her death to Maud's only son James Carnegie, the present duke of Fife.

Victoria Eugénie of Battenberg (April 3, 1906)

Edward the Seventh  by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting!

Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Warrant our most Dear Niece Princess Victoria Eugénie Julia Ena, only daughter of Our most Dear Sister Beatrice Mary Victoria Feodore (Princess Mary of Battenberg) shall be styled entitled and called "Her Royal Highness" before her name and such Titles and Appellations which to her belong in all Deeds Records Instruments or Documents whatsoever wherein she may at any time hereafter be named or described. 

And We do hereby authorize and empower Our said most Dear Niece henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style, Title and Appellation of "His Royal Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court of Saint James's, the Third day of April 1906: in the Sixth Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command.
M Gladstone

(National Archives, HO 125/6)

Victoria Eugenie married Alfonso XIII, king of Spain, on May 31, 1906 in Madrid.

2nd Duke of Teck (June 9, 1911)

George R I
George the Fifth by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting!

Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby declare and ordain that from and after the date of this Warrant His Serene Highness Prince Adolphus Charles Alexander Albert Edward George Philip Louis Ladislaus, Duke of Teck, Knight Grand Cross of Our Royal Victorian Order, Companion of Our Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, shall be styled entitled and called "His Highness" before his name and such Titles and Appellations which to him now do or at any time hereafter may belong or appertain, in all Deeds, Records, Instruments or Documents whatsoever, wherein he may at any time hereafter be named or described.

And We do hereby authorize and empower the said Prince Adolphus Charles Alexander Albert Edward George Philip Louis Ladislaus, Duke of Teck, henceforth at all times to assume and use and to be called and named by the Style, Title and Appellation of "His Highness" accordingly.

Given at Our Court of Saint James's, the Nineteenth day of June 1911, in the Second Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command.

W Churchill

(National Archives, HO 125/7, June 9, 1911.)

Whitehall, July 1.
The King has been pleased, by Warrant under His Majesty's Royal Sign Manual, bearing date the 19th June, to declare and ordain that from and after the date of the said Royal Warrant His Serene Highness Prince Adolphus Charles Alexander Albert Edward George Philip Louis Ladislaus, Duke of Teck, GCVO, GMC, shall upon all occasions whatsoever be styled and called "His Highness" before his name and such titles as now do or hereafter may, belong to him.

See the note on the Tecks.

Children of the duke and duchess of Brunswick (June 17, 1914)

George RI
George the Fifth by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and Counsellor Henry Duke of Norfolk, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of Our Royal Victorian Order, Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting !
Whereas on the Eighteenth day of March last past, at the Ducal Palace of Brunswick, a son was born of the marriage of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Brunswick and Lüneburg:
And Whereas we are desirous of defining and fixing the style and designation which the issue of the said marriage shall enjoy within our dominions:
Now Know Ye that we do hereby declare and ordain that the children born to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Brunswick and Lüneburg shall at all times hold and enjoy the style and attribute of "Highness" with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names, or with any titles of honour which may belong to them.
And we do hereby further declare and ordain that the designation of the said children shall be "a Prince (or Princess) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland".
Our Will and Pleasure further is that you Our said Earl Marshal to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order kept and that the same be duly Registered in Our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof. 
In Witness whereof We have caused Our Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Saint Jame's the Seventeenth day of June, 1914: in the Fifth Year of Our Reign.
By the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas.
Signed with His Own Hand.

(National Archives, HO 125/14.)

The London Gazette announces that the King has been pleased to ordain that the children born to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Brunswick and Lüneburg shall enjoy the style of "Highness" with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names, or with any titles of honour which may belong to them; and that the designation of the said children shall be "a Prince (or Princess) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland".

The beneficiaries of this grant were the children of Ernst August of Brunswick-Luneburg (1887-1953), duke of Cumberland, and Viktoria Luise of Prussia, who were married in 1913, namely:

•  Ernst August (1914-87),
• Georg Wilhelm (1915-2005), 
  
• Friederike Luise (1917-81), who married king Paul of the Hellenes,
• Christian (1919-81), and
• Welf Heinrich (1923-97).

They were not affected in any way by the Titles Deprivation Act of 1917.

Daughters of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (1917)

The Court Circular published to-day contains the following announcement:
The King has been pleased to direct that Royal Warrants shall be prepared declaring that Their Highnesses Princess Helena Victoria and Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein shall henceforth be styled Their Highnesses Princess Helena Victoria and Princess Marie Louise respectively, and whereas the Princesses of the Royal Family who bear the Title of Duchess of Saxony and who are his Subjects have, at His Majesty's desire, relinquished the said Title, he has also been pleased to direct that Royal Warrants shall be prepared declaring their present styles and making such corresponding alteration in their arms as may be necessary.

(Times, Jun 20, 1917, p. 7C.)

I have not found trace of a warrant for the princesses in the London Gazette or in the Warrant Books at the National Archives; nor are any recorded in the College of Arms, mss series I.

Lady Patricia Ramsay (1919)

GEORGE THE  FIFTH by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, To Our Right Trusty and Well beloved Counsellor Edmund Bernard Talbot (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Member of Our Royal Victorian Order, Deputy to Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting:
WHEREAS Our Most Dear Cousin Her Royal Highness Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland bath by her Petition humbly represented unto us That a marriage has been agreed upon and is shortly to be had and solemnized between the Petitioner and Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay (commonly called the Honourable Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay ) Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Commander in Our Royal Navy:  That the Petitioner is desirous of relinquishing the style of Royal Highness and the title of Princess of Great Britain and Ireland, the Petitioner therefore most humbly prays Our Royal Licence and Autthority that she may immediately on and from the solemnization the said intended marriage relinquish the style of Royal Highness and the title of Princess of Great Britain and Ireland.
Know Ye that We of Our Princely Grace and Special Favour have Liven and granted and do by these Presents give and grant unto the Petitioner, Our said Most Dear Cousin, Our Royal Licence and Authority that she may immediately on and from the solemnization
of the said intended marriage, relinquish the style of Royal Highness and the title of Princess of Great Britain Ireland, Provided that this Our Concession and Declaration be recorded in our College of Arms otherwise this Our Licence and Permission to be void and of none effect:
Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that you Edmund Bernard Talbot (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) deputy to Our said Earl Marshal, to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do require and command Concession and Declaration be recorded in Our College of Arms to the end that our Officers of Arms and all others upon occasion may take full notice and have knowledge thereof, and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given at Our Court at  Saint  James s this Twenty-fifth day of February 1919  in the Ninth year of Our Reign. By His Majesty's Command

(Signed)  EDWARD SHORTT.
(Signed)  GEORGE R.I.

GEORGE THE FIFTH by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, To Our Right and Trusty and Well beloved Counsellor Edmund Bernard Talbot (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot)  Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Member of Our Royal Victorian Order, Deputy to Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England,  Greeting;
WHEREAS a marriage has been agreed upon and is shortly to be had and solemnized between Our Most Dear Cousin Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth and Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay (commonly called the Honourable  Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay) Companion of the Distinguished Service Order,
pander in Our Royal Navy.
WHEREAS We having taken the wishes of Our said Most Dear Cousin into Our Royal Consideration and in exercise of Our Royal Prerogative We do hereby declare Our Royal Will and Pleasure that Our said Most Dear Cousin shall immediately on and from the solemnization of the said intended marriage have hold and enjoy the style of Lady Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth Ramsay and all have place preeminence and precedence immediately before that of Marchionesses of England.
Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that you Edmund Bernard Talbot (commonly called lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) Deputy to Our said Earl Marshal, to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order observed and kept and that you do cause these Presents to be registered in Our College of Arms.   And for so doing this shall be your Warrant.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's this Twenty-fifth day of February 1919 in the Ninth year of Our Reign.

By His Majesty's Command.
(Signed)  EDWARD SHORTT.

(National Archives, HPO 38/72, 97F)

HRH Princess Victoria Patricia was a daughter of the duke of Connaught.  By royal warrant of Mar 21, 1919 she was assigned the royal arms "differenced by a label of 5 points argent 1st and 5th charged with St George cross and each of the other points with a fleur de lis azure" , and a badge consisting of "the letters PR encircled by a coronet composed of crosses and strawberry leaves", that is, the coronet of her former rank (College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 78, p. 91; with kind permission of the College of Arms). 

Duke of Windsor (May 27, 1937)

See also documents relating to the drafting of these letters patent.

George the Sixth By the Grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith

Children of HRH The Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh (Oct 22, 1948)

GEORGE THE SIXTH by the Grace of God of Great Britain Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting Whereas His late Majesty King George the Fifth by His Letters Patent dated the thirtieth day of November in the eighth year of His Reign did declare His Royal Pleasure that certain members of the Royal Family therein more particularly mentioned should have the style title or attribute of Royal Highness And Whereas We are desirous of defining and fixing the style and title by which the children of the marriage solemnised between Our Most dearly beloved Daughter Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Duchess of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh shall be designated And Whereas for that purpose We deem it expedient that the aforesaid Letters Patent should be amended and extended la manner hereinafter declared Now Know Ye that in the exercise of Our Royal and undoubted prerogative and of our especial grace we do hereby declare Our Royal Will and Pleasure that the children of the aforesaid marriage shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of Royal Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names in addition to any other appellations and titles of honour which may belong to them hereafter And We do further declare Our Will and Pleasure that our Earl Marshal of England or his Deputy for the time being do cause these Our Letters or the Enrolment thereof to be recorded in our College of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all others may take due notice thereof In Witness Whereof We have caused these our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the twenty-second day of October in the twelfth year of Our Reign

By Warrant under the King's Sign Manual
NAPIER

(Certified copy of the letters patent, National Archives, LCO 6/3676.)
The beneficiaries of this grant were Prince Charles and Princess Ann

Duke of Edinburgh (1957)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND By the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Quen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting   WHEREAS in testimony of the great love which We bear towards Our most dearly beloved Husband and most faithful Counsellor His Royal Highness Philip Duke of Edinburgh Knight of our Most Noble Order of the Garter Knight of Our Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle Grand Master and First or Principal Knight Grand Cross of Our Host Excellent Order of the British Empire Admiral of Our Fleet And being sensible of the high regard and affection in which he is held by Our loving subjects We are desirous of conferring upon him a style and dignity appropriate to his rank and station    NOW KNOW YE   that we of Our especial grace certain knowledge and mere notion do by these Presents give and grant unto His Royal Highness Philip Duke of Edinburgh the Style and Titular Dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and northern Ireland to have and at all times to hold and enjoy the said style and titular Dignity in addition to any other titles of honour salon to him belong or at any time hereafter may belong Our Will and Pleasure further is that Our Earl Marshal of England or his Deputy for the time being do cause these Our Letters or the enrol meat thereof to be recorded in Our College) of Arms to the end that Our Officers of Arms and all all others may take due notice thereof   In Witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent Witness Ourself at Westminster the twenty-second day of February in the sixth year of Our Reign.

BY WARRANT UNDER THE QUEEN'S  SIGN  MANUAL

COLDSTREAM

(The National Archives, certified copy in LCO 6/3677)

The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm bearing date 22nd February 1957, to give and grant unto His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, GBE, the style and titular dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Queen has been pleased to declare her will and pleasure that his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh shall henceforth be known as His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester (1974)

As far as I know, no formal grant of the title of Princess was ever made to the former Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott, widowed duchess of Gloucester.  Her husband died on June 10, 1974, and after his funeral she ceased to be "the duchess of Gloucester". Normally she would  have become the dowager duchess of  Gloucester.  Instead, the Court Circular refers to her as "Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester" starting on July 13, at the first mention of her after the funeral.  There is no grant of the style recorded at the College of Arms;  however, a grant of arms of 1981 is recorded as follows:

The armorial bearings of Her Royal Highness Princess Alice Duchess of Gloucester as widow of His Royal Highness the late duke have been approved by Her Majesty the Queen this being intimated to Garter King of Arms in a letter from Buckingham Palace dated 27 Oct 1981, The said armorial bearings are those of His Royal Highness the late duke of Gloucester impaling the paternal arms of Her Royal Highness as previously depicted in the marital arms entered in I80 page 196 save that they are marshaled upon a lozenge ensigned by Her Royal Highness’s coronet and supported by the supporters borne and used by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in his lifetime.

A. Colin Cole
Garter King of Arms
Let this be recorded
Norfolk EM

(College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 84, p. 148; with kind permission of the College of Arms)

Children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex (1999)

See the note on the children of the Earl of  Wessex.

1C: Titles for German relatives in 1917

The Tecks

GEORGE THE FIFTH,  by the Grace  of God of the  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas  KING,  Defender of  the Faith,  Emperor of India,  To Our Trusty and Well-beloved Edmund Bernard Talbot Esquire  (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot),  Member of Our Royal Victorian Order and companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Deputy to Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Bernard Marmaduke,  Duke of Norfolk,  Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal  of England,  Greeting:        
WHEREAS by Warrant under Our Sign Manual bearing date  the  fourteenth day  of  July last past We were graciously pleased to give  and grant unto Our dear Cousin His Highness Prince Leopold Arthur Louis of Battenberg, Knight Grand cross of Our Royal Victorian Order,  Captain in Our Army, our Royal Licence  and Authority that he  might relinquish the use of the style title and attribute  of  "Highness"  that  he and his issue might relinquish the style and title  of  "Prince"  and all other states degrees  dignities titles honors or appellations in the Grand Duchy of Hesse  or German Empire to him or to  them belonging and the designation "of Battenberg",   that  he might  take and use the surname  Mountbatten and that  such surname might be  taken and used by his  issue.    
KNOW YE THEREFORE that in the  exercise of Our Royal Prerogative We do hereby declare Our Royal  Will and Pleasure that Our said dear Cousin Sir Leopold Arthur Louis Mountbatten shall upon all  occasions have hold and enjoy the same style title place preeminence and precedence as the younger son of a Marquess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.  Our Will and Pleasure therefore is  that you Edmund Bernard Talbot   (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) Deputy to Our said Earl Marshal to whom the  cognizance  of matter's of this nature doth properly belong do see this Our Order observed and kept, and that you do cause these Presents to be egistered in Our College of Arms, and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given at Our Court at Saint James's  this eleventh day of September, 1917 in the eighth year of Our Reign.

(National Archives, HPO 38/71, 635A)

The Gleichens

GEORGE THE FIFTH by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India: To Our Trusty and Well-Beloved Edmund Bernard Talbot, Esquire, (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) Member of Our Royal Victorian Order, and Companion of the distinguished Service Order, Deputy to Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Our Hereditary Marshal of England, Greeting: Whereas by Royal Warrant bearing date the eleventh day of June One thousand nine hundred and thirteen. We did declare our Royal Will and Pleasure that Our dear Cousin Albert Edward Wilfred, Count Gleichen, Knight Commander of our Royal Victorian Order, Companion of Our Most Honourable order of the Bath, Companion of Our Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George and a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Major General in Our Army, and Sylvia Gay, Countess Gleichen, his wife, so long as she remains his wife or widow should thenceforth respectively have hold and enjoy, place, preeminence and precedence next to and immediately before Marquesses and Marchionesses of England, that our dear Cousins Countess Feodora Georgina Maud Gleichen. Countess Victoria Alice Leopoldina Ada Laura, widow and relict of Percy Wilfred Machell, Esquire, Companion of Our Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Lieutenant-Colonel in Our Army, deceased,  (therein with Our Royal Approbation styled Lady Valda Machell) and Countess Helena Emly Gleichen, sisters of the said Albert Edward Wilfred, Count Gleichen, should thenceforth have hold and enjoy place, preeminence and precedence next to and immediately before the daughters of Dukes of England: And whereas our said Cousins have petitioned Us that they may relinquish the place preeminence and precedence given to them by Our said Warrant, and that they and their issue may relinquish the use of the titles of Count and of Countess and any other states degrees dignities titles honours or appellations in the German Empire which may to them belong.   Know ye therefore that having taken the same into Our Royal consideration and in exercise of Our Royal Prerogative We do hereby declare our Royal Will and Pleasure that Our said dear Cousin Albert Edward Wilfred, Count Gleichen, shall upon all occasions have hold and enjoy the same style, title, place, preeminence and precedence as the younger son of a Marquess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, that the said Sylvia Gay, Countess Gleichen, so long as she shall remain the wife or widow of the said Albert Edward Wilfred, Count G1eichen, and Our said Dear Cousins Countess Feodora Georgina Maud Gleichen, Countess Victoria Alice Leopoldina Ada Laura (styled Lady Valda Machell) and Countess Helena Emly Gleichen shall upon all occasions have hold and enjoy the same style title place preeminence and precedence as the daughters of a Marquess of the United. Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and that they all and their issue may relinquish the use of the said titles of Count and Countess and all other states degrees dignities titles honours or appellations in the German Empire which may to them belong.
Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that you Edmund Bernard Talbot (commonly called Lord Edmund Bernard Talbot) Deputy to Our said Earl Marshal to whom the cognizance of matters of this nature doth properly belong, do see this our Order observed and kept, and that you do cause these Presents to be registered in Our College of Arms, And for so doing this shall be your Warrant.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's  this twelfth day of September, 1917 in the eighth year of Our Reign.
BY HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND. (Sd.) Geo. Cave.

(National Archives, HPO 38/71, 635B)

2. Evidence of Official Use

2A: Stylings of the Cumberlands in British documents, 1878-1914

Royal consent to the marriage of the Duke of Cumberland (Sep 27, 1878)

Victoria R
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith To All to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth Greeting!  Whereas by an Act of Parliament intituled "An Act for the better regulating the future marriages of the Royal Family" it is amongst other things enacted "That no Descendant of the Body of His Majesty King George the Second, Male or Female (other than the issue of Princesses who have married, or may hereafter marry into Foreign Families) shall be capable of contracting Matrimony without the previous consent of His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, signified under the Great Seal" Now Know Ye that We have consented, and do by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Dear Cousin His Royal Highness The Prince Ernest Augustus WIlliam Adolphus George Frederick Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, Earl of Armagh, Knight of Our Most Noble Order of the Garter, and Her Royal Highness Thyra Amélie Caroline Charlotte Anne daughter of His Majesty the King of Denmark.  In Witness whereof We have caused Our Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the Twenty Seventh Day of September 1878 in the Forty Second Year of Our Reign.
By the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Signed with Her Own Hand.

(National Archives, HO 124/18.)

Royal warrant assiging arms to the Duke of Cumberland (Feb 19, 1879)

Victoria R

trusty and well beloved we greet you well whereas our dear cousin Ernest Augustus William Adolphus George Frederick duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale the only son of our late cousin King George the 5th of Hanover and grandson of our late uncle Ernest Augustus king of Hanover and duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale has been duly declared a knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and whereas we have not assigned any arms crest coronet or supporters to be borne by him we do hereby declare and ordain that our said dear Cousin shall for the future use and bear the arms and crest as also the royal supporters respectively differenced with like labels and charges thereon as were assigned to his said father by our late uncle king William the 4th by warrant bearing date the 15th day of Aug 1835 and it not appearing that any coronet hath hitherto been appropriated to princes, cousins of the sovereign we do further ordain that our dear said cousin shall in future use and bear a coronet composed of crosses and flowers or leaves in every respect similar to that which was assigned to his father by the aforesaid warrant of HM King William the 4th as the said arms crest coronet and supporters are in the said painting hereunto annexed more fully set forth and depicted …

(As registered in the College of Arms, mss I series, vol. 66, p. 200; reproduced with kind permission of the College of Arms).

Royal consent to the marriage of Princess Frederica of Hanover (Mar 18, 1880)

Victoria R
Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith To All to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth Greeting!  Whereas by an Act of Parliament intituled "An Act for the better regulating the future marriages of the Royal Family" it is amongst other things enacted "That no Descendant of the Body of His Majesty King George the Second, Male or Female (other than the issue of Princesses who have married, or may hereafter marry into Foreign Families) shall be capable of contracting Matrimony without the previous consent of His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, signified under the Great Seal".
Now Know Ye that We have consented, and do by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Dear Cousin Her Royal Highness The Princess Frederica Sophia Maria Henrietta Amelia Theresa of Hanover, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland and Luitbert Alexander GeorgeLionel Alphonse Freiherr von Pawel Rammingen.  In Witness whereof We have caused Our Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the Eighteenth Day of March 1880, In the Forty Third Year of Our Reign.
By the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Signed with Her Own Hand.

(National Archives, HO 124/19.)

Royal consent to the marriage of Princess Marie Louise of Hanover (May 15, 1900)

At the Court at Windsor, the 15th day of May, 1900.

PRESENT, The QUEEN's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

HER Majesty was this day pleased to declare Her Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between Princess Marie Louise Victoria Carolina Amelia Alexandra Augusta Frederica born Princess of Great Britain and Ireland and Princess of Brunswick daughter of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland and His Grand Ducal Highness Prince Maximilian Alexander Frederic William Nephew of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Baden, which Consent Her Majesty has caused to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the books of the Privy Council.

(London Gazette, 27203, 19 June 1900, p. 1)

Royal consent to the marriage of Princess Alexandra of Hanover (Mar 7, 1904)

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 7th day of March, 1904.

PRESENT, The KING'S Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

HIS MAJESTY was this day pleased to declare His consent to a contract of matrimony between Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra Louise Maria Olga Elisabeth Thérèse Wera, born Princess of Great Britain and Ireland, Duchess of Brunswick and Luneburg, daughter of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, and His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Franz IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, which consent His Majesty has caused to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council.

A. W. FitzRoy.

(London Gazette, 27655, 8 March 1904, p. 3)

Royal consent to the marriage of the Prince Ernest Augustus of Brunswick-Luneburg (Mar 17, 1913)

George R.I.

GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, to all to whom these Presents shall come sendeth Greeting!
Whereas by an Act of Parliament intituled "An Act for the better regulating the future marriages of the Royal Family" it is amongst other things enacted "That no Descendant of the Body of His Majesty King George the Second, Male or Female (other than the issue of Princesses who have married, or may hereafter marry into Foreign Families) shall be capable of contracting Matrimony without the previous consent of His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, signified under the Great Seal":

NOW KNOW YE that We have consented, and do by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between His Royal Highness Prince Ernest Augustus Christian George, born Prince of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, only surviving son of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, K.G., and Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Louise Adelaide Mathilde Charlotte, born Princess of Prussia, only Daughter of His Majesty The German Emperor, King of Prussia, K.G.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF We have caused Our Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.

Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace the Seventeenth day of March, 1913, in the Third Year of Our Reign.

BY THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND, AND THE BRITISH DOMINIONS BEYOND THE SEAS.
SIGNED WITH HIS OWN HAND..

(National Archives, C 188/2.)

At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 17th day of March, 1913.

PRESENT, The KING'S Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

HIS MAJESTY was this day pleased to declare His Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between His Royal Highness Prince Ernest Augustus Christian George, born Prince of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, only surviving son of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, K.G, and Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Louise Adelaide Mathilde Charlotte, born Princess of Prussia, only daughter of His Majesty The German Emperor, King of Prussia, K.G., which Consent His Majesty has caused to be signified under the Great Seal, and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council.

Almeric FitzRoy.

Royal consent to the marriage of Princess Frederica Louisa of Hanover (Aug 1, 1937)

FRIDAY, 31 DECEMBER, 1937
At the Court at Sandringham, the 26th day of December, 1937.
PRESENT,
The KING's Most Excellent Majesty.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. Earl of Athlone.
HIS MAJESTY was this day pleased to declare His Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between Her Royal Highness Princess Frederica Louisa of Brunswick-Luneburg, and His Royal Highness Prince Paul of Greece, which Consent His Majesty has caused to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council.
 
  Eric Mieville.

(Gazette 34468, 31 December 1937, p. 1)

Royal consent to the marriage of Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover (Aug 1, 1951)

George R

GEORGE THE SIXTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, to all to whom these Presents shall come sendeth Greeting!
Whereas by an Act of Parliament intituled "An Act for the better regulating the future marriages of the Royal Family" it is amongst other things enacted "That no Descendant of the Body of His Majesty King George the Second, Male or Female (other than the issue of Princesses who have married, or may hereafter marry into Foreign Families) shall be capable of contracting Matrimony without the previous consent of His Majesty, His Heirs or Successors, signified under the Great Seal, and declared in Council":

NOW KNOW YE that We have consented, and do by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between His Royal Highness Prince Ernest Augustus George William Christian Louis Francis Joseph Nicholas Oscar of Hanover, born Prince of Great Britain, Duke of Brunswick and Luneburg, son of His Royal Highness Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg, and Her Highness Princess Ortrud Bertha Adelaide Hedwig of Schleswig-Holstein-Glücksburg.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF We have caused Our Great Seal to be affixed to these Presents.

Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace the 1st day of August, 1951, in the Fifteenth Year of Our Reign.

BY THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, IRELAND, AND THE BRITISH DOMINIONS BEYOND THE SEAS.
SIGNED WITH HIS OWN HAND..

(National Archives, HO 124/49.)

This last document is rather odd.  Prince Ernst August was born before the letters patent of 1914 which declared that his designation should be "Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland."  Thus, if he was a "born Prince of Great Britain", it was not by virtue of the letters patent of 1914.  This style is certainly consistent with the custom that prevailed until 1917, but one wonders why the style of Prince to which he was entitled by custom at birth was not revoked by the letters patent of 1917, and why the style that undoubtedly belonged to him (the letters patent of 1914 being unrevoked) was not used instead.

Royal consent to the second marriage of Prince Ernst August Georg of Hanover and to the marriage of Prince Ernst August Albert (1981)

June 10, 1981 (Gazette 48638)

Royal consent to the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Hanover (1987)

(Gazette 51069, Sep 23, 1987)

2B: Styles of the Princes of Wales

What follows are the styles of the heirs apparent between 1714 and the present as they appear in the letters patent creating them as Princes of Wales.   For most I only have the gazetting of the letters patent, but in two instances (1841 and 1911) I have the full text of the letters patent.  However, it seems likely that the styles as they are gazetted are taken directly from the letters patent.

1714

1729

St James's, January 7 1728/9 [o.s.]

1751

1762

1841

1901

Whitehall, November 9, 1901

His Majesty has been to order Letters Patent to be passed under the Great Seal of Great Britain, for creating His Royal Highness Prince George Frederick Ernest Albert, Duke of Cornwall and York (Duke of Rothesay, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, and Duke of Saxony, Earl of Carrick and Inverness, Baron of Renfrew and Killarney, Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland), KG, KT, KP, GCMG, GCVO, Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester.

(Times, Nov 11, 1901, p. 9E, quoting the Gazette).

1911

George the Fifth, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King, Defender of the Faith.

To all Archbishops, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, Bishops, Barons, Baronets, Knights, Justices, Provosts, Ministers, and all other Our Faithful Subjects, greeting.

Know ye that We have made and created and by these Our Letter Patent do make and create Our Most Dear Son, Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Grand Steward of Scotland, Duke of Saxony and Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Prince of Wales and  Earl of Chester, and to the same, Our Most Dear Son Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David, have given and granted. And by this our present Charter do give, grant, and confirm the name, style, title, dignity and honour of the same Principality and Earldom, and Him Our said Most Dear Son Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David as has been accustomed We do ennoble and invest with the said Principality and Earldom by girding Him with a sword, by putting a coronet on His head, and a gold ring on his finger, and also by delivery a gold rod into his hand, that he may preside there and may direct and defend those parts to hold to him and his heirs Kings of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas for ever.
Wherefore We will and strictly command for Us, our heirs and successors, that Our said most dear son, Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David may have the name, style, title, dignity, and honour of the Principality of Wales and Earldom of Chester aforesaid unto him and his heirs Kings of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas as is above mentioned.

In witness whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent. Witness Ourself at Westminster the 23rd of June in the first year of Our reign.

(Times, July 5, 1911, p. 8C).

3. Heraldry

3A. General

Warrant of Feb 9, 1661

CHARLES R.
Trusty and Well-beloved, We Greet You well.  Whereas the Sons and Descendents of Our Royal Ancestors and Predecessors Kings of England, and other Noble Persons, who, for the Eminence of their Extraction and Merits, are, and have been Dignified with the titles of Dukes, Marquisses, Earls and Viscounts, have borne and used several sorts of Coronets and Circlets, as particular Distinctions of their respective Dignities and Degrees; the which notwithstanding, have not been so established, but that they have in several Ages admitted of Alteration; Wherefore We having observed, that the Coronets used by those of Our Royal Family, have not been enough distinguished from those used by others.  We have thereupon found it fit and necessary so to settle and establish the use and bearing of such Coronets as may not only evidencec the just Esteem We have for those of Our Royal Family, but as may in all Times herafter Distinguish such from others, though of Eminent Birth and Equal Titles with them.  Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, That the Son and Heir Apparent of the Crown for the time being, shall use and bear his Coronet composed of Crosses and Flower-de-Lized with one Arch; and in the midst a Ball and Cross, as hath our Royal Diadem; and that Our most Dear and most Entirely-beloved Brother James Duke of York, and so all the immediate Sons of Our Self, and the immediate Sons and Brothers of Our Successors Kings of England, shall bear and use his and their Coronets composed of Crosses and Flower-de-Liz only; but that all their Sons respectively, having the Title of Dukes, shall bear and use their Coronets composed of Crosses and Flowers or Leaves, such as are used in the Composure of the Coronets of Dukes not being of Our Royal Family; hereby Commanding you our Principal Herald and King of Arms of Our Order, and your Successors respectively in the said Office, to Emblason and set forth the Arms in all Achievements whatsoever of the Son and Heir Apparent of the Crown for the time being, of Our Said most Dear and most Entirely-Beloved Brother James Duke of York, and of all other Descended of Our Royal Family, in such manner as is hereby expressed and directed.  And that you forthwith cause an Entry to be made in the Publick Register in Our Office of Arms of this Our Will and Pleasure; to the End, you and all others whom it may concern, may duely execute and observe the same; And for your so doing, this shall be your sufficient Warrant and full Authority.
Given under Our Signet at Our Court at Whitehall, this 9th Day of February, in the 13th Year of Our Reign.
    By His Majesty's Command,
Edw. Nicholas.

(as recorded in the College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 25, p. 86; with kind permission of the College of Arms.
See also Francis Sandford.  A Genealogical history of the Kings and Queens of England, and monarchs of Great Britain, &c. From the conquest, Anno 1066, to the year 1707.  London, 1707. p. 655.)

Warrant of Jan 31, 1719

... Whereas the coronet composed of crosses and flowers de liz hath been assigned to the immediate sons and brothers of us and our successors, and the coronet composed of crosses and leaves hath been likewise appointed for all their sons respectively having the titles of dukes but no coronet having hitherto been appropriated to the daughters of the Prince of Wales we therefore hereby assign appoint order and direct that our said granddaughters shall  each of them bear and use a coronet composed of crosses flowers de liz and ducal leaves as in the margin hereof the same are severally depicted; and we do hereby require authorize and command you and your successors respectively to marshal and set up upon all occasions the said arms coronets and supporters of our said dearest granddaughters according to the Laws practice and usage of arms and to cause the same to be entered by the register in our College of Arms and hereof you are not to fail and for doing so this shall be our sufficient warrant. Given at our Court of St James’s under our signet and sign manual the 31st day of Jan 1718/19

(as recorded in the College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 27, p. 72; with kind permission of the College of Arms.)

Warrant of Nov 6, 1911

George RI
Trusty and well-beloved we greet you well and do hereby signify unto you that having thought fit to give and assign unto our most dear cousin and brother-in-law Prince Adolphus Charles Alexander Albert Edward George Philip Louis Ladislaus Duke of Teck, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, and Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and St George, Arms, crest, supporters and coronet to be borne and used by HH on all occasions, We do hereby declare and ordain that Our said Most dear Cousin and Brother-in-law shall use and bear for his arms: Quarterly in the first and fourth quarters the arms of our dear cousin the Princess Mary of Cambridge (Duchess of Teck) ad in the second and third quarters the arms of HH Francis Prince and Duke of Teck both deceased being the father and mother of the said most dear cousin and brother-in-law together with his paternal crest and supporters And Whereas We by Royal Warrant bearing date the 19th day of June last did declare and ordain that Our said Most dear Cousin and Brother-in-law should henceforth be styled, entitled and called His Highness And Whereas no Coronet befitting such style and title has heretofore been constituted and ordained by Us or Our Royal Predecessors We do hereby declare and ordain that Our said Most dear Cousin and Brother-in-law shall bear and use surmounting his Arms a Coronet composed of Fleurs-de-lys and strawberry leaves; And We do further ordain and declare that a Coronet in form as aforesaid shall henceforth constitute the Coronet appertaining to the style dignity and title of Highness: And We do further declare and ordain that such Arms, Crest and supporters shall be borne and used by his issue with due and proper differences according to the laws of Arms, and We do further command and authorize you and your successors in office respectively to set forth upon all occasions in conformity with the Laws of Arms for Our said Most dear Cousin and Brother-in-law and his issue the aforesaid Arms crest and supporters as in the painting hereunto annexed are more plainly depicted And We command you to cause this Our Warrant to be recorded in Our College of Arms Whereof you are not to fail. For which this shall be your warrant. Given at Our Court at Buckingham Palace this 6th day of November 1911 in the 2nd year of our Reign.

By His Majesty’s Command

Norfolk
Earl Marshal

(as recorded in the College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 76, p. 164; with kind permission of the College of Arms.)
[note: dexter lion sable sinister forepaw gules armed and langued gules, sinister stag proper, crest dog’s head couped paly bendy or and sable, langued gules, mantling or and sable]

Warrant of Sep 12, 1917

George RI
Trusty and well beloved we greet you well and do hereby signify unto you having taken into our consideration certain royal warrants by us and our precessors [sic] bearing dates the 19th day of April 1858, the 26th day of July 1889, the 12th day of July 1896, the 11th day of November 1904, the 6th day of September 1910, the 14th day of May 1912, and the 25th day of July 1912, whereby there have been assigned to the descendants of her late Majesty Queen Victoria surmounting our royal arms with divers differences, an escutcheon of the arms of the house of Saxony; and whereas with the advice of our Privy Council by a proclamation on the 17th day of July in the present year of our reign we declared and announced that we for ourselves and for and on behalf of our descendants and all other the descendants of our late royal and revered grandmother Queen Victoria who are subjects of these realms relinquish and enjoin the discontinuance of the use of the degrees, styles dignities titles and honours of dukes and duchesses of Saxony and princes and princesses of Saxe Coburg and Gotha and all other German degrees styles dignities titles honours and appellations to use or to them heretofore belonging or appertaining we do now therefore require and command you and your successors in office respectively to order marshal and set forth upon all occasions upon any shields standards banners or otherwise according to the laws of arms the arms assigned in the aforesaid warrants to Their Royal Highnesses Prince Arthur, now duke of Connaught and Strathearn, Princess Helena now Princess Christian, Princess Louise now Duchess of Argyll, Princess Beatrice, Princess Louise now Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife, Princess Victoria, Prince Arthur of Connaught and to the Princess Helena Victoria Princess Marie Louise Prince Alexander now marquess of Carisbrooke, Prince Leopold now commonly called Lord Leopold Mountbatten, Prince Victor now commonly called earl of Medina, Prince Louis now commonly called lord Louis Mountbatten, Princess Louise now commonly called Lady Louise Mountbatten as therein determined but without the aforesaid escutcheon of the arms of Saxony and without any crown coronet or other insignia of German degrees style dignity or title whatsoever, and we command you to cause this our warrant to be recorded in our college of arms whereof you are not to fail for which this shall be your warrant. Given at our court at St James’s this 12th day of September 1917 in the 8th year of our reign

By His Majesty’s command

Edmund B Talbot
deputy Earl Marshal

(as recorded in the College of Arms, mss series I, vol. 77, p. 315; with kind permission of the College of Arms.)

Warrant of Nov 19, 1917

George RI

Trusty and well beloved we greet you well and do hereby signify unto you that whereas by royal warrant bearing date the 9th day of Feb 1661 his late majesty king Charles the second was pleased to assign certain coronets to be from henceforth borne and used by members of the royal family that is to say, by the son and heir apparent of the sovereign and his successors a coronet composed of crosses and fleurs-de-lis with one arch and in the midst a ball and cross as in the royal crown; by the immediate sons other than the heir apparent and by the brothers of the sovereign and of his successors a coronet composed of crosses and fleurs de lis only; by all the sons respectively having the title of duke of the immediate sons and of the brothers of the sovereign and his successors a coronet composed of crosses and flowers or leaves such as are used in the composure of the coronets of dukes; and whereas the said royal warrant did not determine establish or assign any coronets to be borne and used by the immediate daughters and sisters of the sovereign or by the sons not having the rank of duke or the daughters of the son and heir apparent of the sovereign or by the sons not having the rank of duke and by the daughters of the sons (other than the heir apparent) or of the brothers of the sovereign or by the sons and daughters of the daughters and of the sisters of the sovereign and no such coronets have heretofore been assigned in any general warrant though from time to time by individual royal warrants we and our royal predecessors have on occasion thought fit to assign coronets to these: We now having taken this matter into our consideration do declare our royal will and pleasure and assigned to the immediate daughters and sisters of ourselves and of our successors a coronet composed of four crosses pattee and four fleurs-de-lis and to all the sons and daughters of the son and heir apparent of us and of our successors a coronet composed of two crosses pattee four fleurs-de-lis and two strawberry leaves; and to the sons not bearing the rank of duke and to the daughters of the sons other than the heir apparent and of the brothers of us and of our predecessors and of our successors a coronet composed of four crosses pattee and four strawberry leaves; and to the sons and daughters of the daughters of us and of our predecessors and of our successors a coronet composed of four fleurs-de-lis and four strawberry leaves to be borne and used by them being subjects of these our realms, and we do further ordain and declare that the respective wives and widows of the persons entitled under this our royal warrant or under the aforesaid warrant of king Charles the Second may bear and use the coronet of their respective husbands. And we do further command and authorize you and your successors in office to set forth together with their arms upon all occasions respectively in conformity with the laws of arms the said coronets as are in the painting hereunto annexed more plainly depicted. and whereas by our royal warrant bearing date the 6th day of November 1911 we ordained and declared that a coronet in form as aforesaid composed of fleurs-de-lis and strawberry leaves should be borne and used by our most dear cousin and brother-in-law Adolphus Charles Alexander Albert Edward George Philip Louis Ladislaus now marquess of Cambridge and should constitute the coronet appertaining to the style dignity and title of Highness we do now hereby revoke in so far as the coronet is thereby assigned the said royal warrant and do command you to have due knowledge of this our revocation and we do command you to cause this our warrant to be recorded in our College of Arms whereof you are not to fail ; in which this shall be your warrant. Given at our Court of St James’s the 19th day of November 1917 in the 8th year of our reign.

By HM’s command
Edmund B Talbot
Deputy Earl Marshal