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Politics & World • British royalty

Duke of Kent

Duke of Kent is a British royal title that has been created several times in the peerages of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Duke of Kent is a British royal title that has been created several times in the peerages of Great Britain and the United Kingdom. The current holder is Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who has held the title since 1942 and has been a working member of the Royal Family.

History

The Dukedom of Kent is a hereditary royal title that has been recreated several times, with the current line dating to the 20th century. The most recent creation was granted to Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1934, and passed to his son Edward in 1942.

Current holder

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was born in 1935 and is the eldest son of Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. He has remained an active member of the Royal Family and has supported official engagements for decades.

Royal duties

After retiring from the British Army in 1976, the Duke became a working royal. His public roles have included long service with the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and work connected to trade and royal patronages.

Line of succession and family

Prince Edward is a grandson of King George V and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. He is also the father of three children, including George, Earl of St Andrews.

Key facts

  • The title has been created several times in British history.
  • The most recent creation was for Prince George, fourth son of King George V.
  • Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, has held the title since the death of his father in 1942.
  • Prince Edward is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • He has carried out royal duties since retiring from the British Army in 1976.
  • He has long been associated with Wimbledon as president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
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Canadian context

The title is part of the wider Commonwealth and British royal tradition that remains of interest to Canadian readers because Canada is a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch as head of state.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the current Duke of Kent?
The current Duke of Kent is Prince Edward, who has held the title since 1942.
Is Duke of Kent a hereditary title?
Yes. The title has been created several times and is currently held within the British royal family.
When did Prince Edward become Duke of Kent?
He became Duke of Kent in 1942, after the death of his father, Prince George, Duke of Kent.
What is the Duke of Kent known for?
He is known for long service as a working royal, including his role with Wimbledon and other patronages.
How is the Duke of Kent related to Queen Elizabeth II?
He was Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin through their fathers.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Kent
    Supports: Title history, current holder, and recent creation details.
  2. The Royal Family — https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-kent
    Supports: Current holder’s royal duties, retirement from the army, and public roles.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Edward,_Duke_of_Kent
    Supports: Birth, parentage, family relationship to Queen Elizabeth II, and succession position.
  4. The Royal Society — https://www.royalsociety.org/people/prince-edward--10961/
    Supports: Relationship between Prince Edward and Queen Elizabeth II.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_George,_Duke_of_Kent
    Supports: Creation of the 1934 dukedom for Prince George of Kent.