The Youngest Member of the British Royal Family Without Royal Highness

The title of Royal Highness (HRH) is often a source of fascination in the British Royal family. While many members hold this distinction, there are some exceptions, particularly when it comes to the youngest members who do not inherit it. This article will explore the current youngest members of the British Royal family, with a particular focus on who does not hold the title of Royal Highness.

The Current Youngest Member of the Royal Family Without Royal Highness

The current youngest member of the British Royal family who is not referred to as Royal Highness is Ernest Brooksbank, the youngest son of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. Born in May 2023, Ernest has been a topic of interest due to his position in the Royal lineage. He is in the female line, and as his father does not hold a royal title, neither does Ernest.

Ernest's Position in the Line of Succession

Ernest has an older brother, August Philip, born in February 2021. However, his position in the line of succession is not the highest, as he is in the female line. The line of succession is determined by proximity to the throne, and for male line succession, a younger son of a princess can be lower in the line than a younger daughter of a prince. Ernest's cousin, Sienna, born in September 2021 through Princess Beatrice (Eugenie's older sister), is higher in the line of succession.

Another member of the family, Lucas Tindall, the youngest son of Zara Tindall (Princess Anne's daughter), was born in March 2021. While Lucas holds a royal title, his father, Captain Mike Tindall, holds a royal military title through his wife's royal lineage, making him a prince of the United Kingdom. However, Ernest does not have this advantage and holds no royal titles.

The Importance of Titles in the Royal Family

Title bestowals in the British Royal family are not automatic and depend on several factors, including proximity to the monarch and the Royal family's discretion. Ernest Brooksbank's lack of the title Royal Highness is due to his position in the female line and his father's lack of a royal title. This situation is rather unique and makes Ernest stand out among the youngest Royal members.

The significance of holding the title of Royal Highness is not just a matter of prestige but also a symbol of royal status. Without HRH, Ernest Brooksbank does not have the same recognition or titles as his male cousins who are in the male line.

The Exclusivity of Royal Titles

Currently, there is only one reigning monarch at a time; therefore, only the wife of the current monarch or a past monarch can hold the title of Queen. The title of Princess is not automatically given to every member of the Royal family. Its distribution is based on how closely related the individual is to the monarch and how important their position is to the Royal lineage. For example, Lilibet Diana, the youngest daughter of King Charles and Camilla, was named a Princess when King Charles ascended to the throne. In contrast, the grandchildren of Prince Andrew and Princess Anne do not receive the title of Prince or Princess.

The Future of Royal Titles

The youngest member of the Royal family without Royal Highness, Ernest Brooksbank, was born in a time where the media and public have a growing interest in the Royal family's succession. As he grows, his status as a royal member without the title of Royal Highness may become more significant, especially as he approaches the age of majority and his place in the line of succession becomes more pronounced.

Conclusion

Ernest Brooksbank, born in May 2023, is the current youngest member of the British Royal family without the title of Royal Highness. While he and other Royal members share the same lineage, his unique position in the female line and his father’s lack of a royal title make him a noteworthy exception. As the future of the British monarchy evolves, the distribution of titles and recognition within the Royal family will remain a matter of public interest.