Jack Brooksbank, raised as Earl by King Charles, has stepped into the shoes of the Sussexes, assuming their former roles within the monarchy.
Speculation suggests that rather than a royal title, Brooksbank might be granted a peerage.
This echoes a historical precedent, such as when Princess Margaret’s husband was bestowed the title of Earl of Snowdon.
Charlie Proctor, editor of royalcentral.co.uk, emphasized the need for working royals to fill the void left by the Sussexes and the Duke of York, as well as to support aging members of the royal family.
In a recent poll conducted by New Royal Poll, viewers were asked whether Brooksbank should be recognized as a working royal.
Of the 4,151 votes cast between Thursday and Tuesday, an overwhelming 91% (3,700 people) supported Jack taking on this role.
Conversely, around 8% (319 people) opposed the idea, while 1% (64 people) remained undecided.
Commenters expressed their approval of Brooksbank potentially becoming a working royal, citing his supportive presence at royal events and his likable demeanor.
The tradition of elevating a princess’s husband to a peerage when the monarchy requires additional support dates back centuries.
For instance, in 1871, Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter, married John Campbell, who later became the Marquess of Lorne and Duke of Argyll.
Similarly, Princess Margaret’s husband, Anthony Armstrong-Jones, was granted the titles of Earl of Snowdon and Viscount Linley in 1961.
These examples illustrate how spouses of royal family members have been integrated into the peerage system throughout history.
Despite some deviations from this tradition, such as Angus O’Gilvey’s refusal of an earldom offered by the Queen, the practice of bestowing titles upon princesses’ husbands remains a significant aspect of royal protocol.
In Jack Brooksbank’s case, it is likely that he will be granted an earldom by King Charles, aligning with the historical pattern of incorporating new members into the royal working list.
The question now arises: will Jack Brooksbank accept the title and embrace his potential role as a working royal?
As the monarchy navigates transitions and seeks to bolster its ranks with dedicated members, the prospect of Brooksbank joining the esteemed lineage of working royals represents a continuation of a longstanding tradition within the British royal family.