The Earldom of Strathearn

Now that we have a new (and very welcome) Duke and Duchess of Strathearn, a bit of background seems in order.

Strathearn, which means Valley of the River Earn, stretches from the central lowlands to the Highlands and takes in the towns of Crieff, Auchterarder and Comrie. The area has had royal connections since Robert Stewart, High Steward of Scotland, was made Earl of Strathearn in 1357.

The Mormaer of Strathearn or Earl of Strathearn was a provincial ruler in medieval Scotland. Of unknown origin, the mormaers appear to be first recorded in a document possibly dating to 1115
The Earldom of Strathearn was one of Scotland’s most powerful families in the mid-12th century, with father and son taking different sides during the Anglo-Scottish wars in the early 14th century. It was adopted as a royal title during the rise of the Stewarts some years later.

An area once owned by Queen Victoria’s father, it was last used in a royal title in 1943 by Queen Victoria’s great-grandson Alastair Windsor, who was known as the 2nd Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.

On April 29 2011, the title was recreated when Queen Elizabeth II conferred the title on Prince William of Wales.

The dukedom, the highest rank in British peerage, is one of three titles given to William by his grandmother, the Queen. Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on their wedding.