If Prince Harry Had Married a Man, What Would His Husband’s Title Be?

One intriguing question in the realm of royal marriages is what would happen if Prince Harry, or any other royal, had married a man. The answer largely depends on the policies of the British monarchy and the decisions made by the reigning monarch. In the past, there have been instances where a royal's spouse retained their pre-marriage title, while other times, new titles were created.

Historical Context: Princess Anne and Her Spouses

Princess Anne's marriages provide valuable insights into how royal marriages are managed. In 1973, Princess Anne married Captain Mark Philip Phillips. After the marriage, Captain Phillips retained his rank and became known as Princess Anne, Mrs. Mark Phillips. It is worth noting that Captain Phillips did not receive a royal title, and he continued to be known by his pre-marriage name.

Before that marriage, Princess Anne had another significant relationship with Commander Timothy Lawrence. Like her first marriage, after the dissolution of this relationship, she retained her royal title as Princess Anne.

Creating New Titles for Same-Sex Marriages

While Princess Anne’s marriages didn't involve creating new titles, the British monarchy has the authority to grant titles to non-royals. Historically, such titles have not always been granted. For example, in 1702, Queen Anne married a Prince of Denmark who was never given a British title, and he continued as Lord High Admiral without a change in his status.

The most notable instance of creating a title for a non-royal in a marriage to a royal was the 1966 marriage of Princess Margaret to Anthony Armstrong-Jones, who became Lord Snowdon and later Earl of Snowdon. However, this was an unprecedented situation, and the creation of titles for women has not been repeated in recent times.

Potential Future Scenarios

Given the current situation, any future same-sex marriage involving a royal could potentially lead to the creation of a new title, though not necessarily a royal title. There is precedent for this with non-royal individuals becoming earls or barons.

Some potential scenarios could include:

Non-Royal Title: Similar to Princess Anne’s marriages, a non-royal husband might retain his pre-marriage title, such as Mr. [Name]. New Title: The monarch could create a new title, such as Earl [Name], for a non-royal husband who is a significant figure in the royal family or government. Royal Title: If the royal spouse in question is high on the line of succession, his husband might be granted a royal title, such as Prince [Name], similar to the potential scenario for Prince Harry.

Conclusion: Speculation and Future Outlook

The actual titles and their creation would depend on a multitude of factors, including the reigning monarch's decisions, the views of the two individuals involved, and the overall political and social climate. As of now, there have been no same-sex marriages among the British royal family, and the outcomes remain speculative.

It is likely that any title-granting decision would be a mix of historical precedents and modern sensibilities. As the British monarchy continues to adapt to the changing times, so too will the titles and roles of its members.