Duke of Clarence
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Duke of Clarence is a title which has been traditionally awarded to junior members of the English and British royal families. The first three creations were in the Peerage of England, the fourth in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the fifth in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.
The title was first granted to Lionel of Antwerp, the third son of King Edward III, in 1362. Since he died without sons, the title became extinct. The title was again created in favor of Thomas of Lancaster, the second son of King Henry IV. Upon his death, too, the title became extinct. The last creation in the Peerage of England was for George Plantagenet, brother of King Edward IV. The Duke forefited his title in 1478, after he had been convicted of treason against his brother. He allegedly met his end (at least according to William Shakespeare) drowned in a butt of Malmsey.
The next creation (this time with the name "Clarence and St Andrews") was in 1789 for Prince William, third son of King George III. When Prince William succeeded his father to the throne in 1830, the dukedom merged in the crown.
The final creation ("Clarence and Avondale") was for Prince Albert Victor of Wales, the eldest son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The Duke died of pneumonia in 1892 and the title again became extinct.
The title is believed to originate from the town of Clare, Suffolk, although it has also been associated with Clarentza in the Principality of Achaea. St Andrews and Avondale were presumably added to associate the title with Scotland as well.
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Dukes of Clarence, first Creation (1362)
Dukes of Clarence, second Creation (1412)
Dukes of Clarence, third Creation (1461)
- George, Duke of Clarence (1449-1478) (forfeit 1478)
Dukes of Clarence and St Andrews (1789)
- Prince William, Duke of Clarence and St Andrews (1765-1837) (became King in 1830)