Earl vs. Duke — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
An earl is a noble rank in British peerage below a marquess and above a viscount, focusing on regional authority. A duke is higher, often ruling over larger territories or important counties.
Difference Between Earl and Duke
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The title of earl in the British peerage system denotes a member of the nobility who traditionally held authority over a region or territory, known as an earldom. On the other hand, a duke, which is the highest rank below the monarch, typically presided over a larger and more significant area known as a duchy. Dukes often held substantial power and influence in the kingdom, with their territories sometimes encompassing entire counties or multiple smaller territories.
While the role of an earl was significant in the feudal system, providing military support to the king and serving as a local governor, dukes were often of royal or high-ranking nobles closely associated with the royal family. This closeness to the monarchy granted dukes greater prestige and influence in national affairs compared to earls. Dukes could be involved in the highest levels of decision-making, advising the king and participating in the governance of the realm.
In terms of heraldry and ceremonial significance, both earls and dukes have distinctive coronets (a type of crown used in heraldry), but those of dukes are more elaborately decorated, reflecting their higher status. Earls' coronets traditionally feature a ring with pearls set on spikes, whereas dukes' coronets are adorned with leaves and pearls, indicating their superior rank.
The responsibilities and privileges of earls and dukes have evolved over time, especially as the British peerage system adapted to changes in governance and society. In contemporary times, these titles carry more ceremonial significance than actual political power, with both earls and dukes participating in various state and public ceremonies, reflecting their heritage and status.
The way these titles are inherited also reflects their historical and social significance. Earldoms, like dukedoms, are usually passed down through the male line, with the first son typically inheriting the title. However, in cases where there is no direct male heir, the title's succession rules can vary, sometimes leading to the title becoming dormant or extinct if there are no eligible descendants.
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Comparison Chart
Rank in Peerage
Below a marquess and above a viscount
Highest rank below the monarch
Authority Area
Earldom, regional
Duchy, often larger territories or counties
Historical Role
Local governance, military support to the king
Advising the monarch, significant governance
Heraldic Symbol
Coronet with pearls set on spikes
Coronet with leaves and pearls
Relative Prestige
Significant yet intermediate
Greater, often of royal blood or close association with royalty
Compare with Definitions
Earl
A noble rank below a marquess.
The Earl of Warwick played a key role in medieval England.
Duke
Highest noble rank under the monarch.
The Duke of Wellington was a celebrated military leader.
Earl
Intermediate noble status.
The earl, though influential, ranked below the kingdom's dukes.
Duke
Close to royal family.
Dukes often had familial ties or were trusted advisors to the monarchy.
Earl
Coronet with pearls.
The earl's coronet, adorned with pearls, signified his noble status.
Duke
Rules over a duchy.
His duchy encompassed some of the most fertile lands in the kingdom.
Earl
Inherited title.
The title of Earl of Grantham has been passed down through generations.
Duke
Hereditary or conferred.
The dukedom of Norfolk is one of the oldest in England.
Earl
Governs an earldom.
As an earl, he held significant judicial powers within his region.
Duke
Coronet with leaves and pearls.
The duke's elaborate coronet reflected his exalted position.
Earl
Earl () is a rank of the nobility in Britain. The title originates in the Old English word eorl, meaning "a man of noble birth or rank".
Duke
Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, and grand dukes.
Earl
A British nobleman next in rank above a viscount and below a marquis, corresponding to a count in continental Europe.
Duke
A nobleman with the highest hereditary rank, especially a man of the highest grade of the peerage in Great Britain.
Earl
Used as a title for such a nobleman.
Duke
A sovereign prince who rules an independent duchy in some European countries.
Earl
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called counts and viscounts.
Duke
Used as the title for such a nobleman.
Earl
A nobleman of England ranking below a marquis, and above a viscount. The rank of an earl corresponds to that of a count (comte) in France, and graf in Germany. Hence the wife of an earl is still called countess. See Count.
Duke
Dukes(Slang) The fists
Put up your dukes!.
Earl
The needlefish.
Duke
(Botany) A type of cherry intermediate between a sweet and a sour cherry.
Earl
A British peer ranking below a Marquess and above a Viscount
Duke
To fight, especially with fists
Duking it out.
Duke
The male ruler of a duchy (female equivalent: duchess).
Duke
The sovereign of a small state.
Duke
A high title of nobility; the male holder of a dukedom.
Duke
A grand duke.
Duke
Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genera Bassarona and Dophla.
Duke
A fist.
Put up your dukes!
Duke
To hit or beat with the fists.
Duke
To give cash to; to give a tip to.
I duked him twenty dollars.
Duke
A leader; a chief; a prince.
Hannibal, duke of Carthage.
All were dukes once, who were "duces" - captains or leaders of their people.
Duke
In some European countries, a sovereign prince, without the title of king.
Duke
The fists; as, put up your dukes.
Duke
To play the duke.
Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence.
Duke
To beat with the fists.
Duke
A British peer of the highest rank
Duke
A nobleman (in various countries) of high rank
Common Curiosities
What is an earl?
An earl is a member of the British nobility, ranked below a marquess and above a viscount, traditionally governing an earldom.
What is a duke?
A duke is the highest noble rank below the monarch, often ruling over a significant territory known as a duchy.
How do earls and dukes differ in responsibilities?
Earls traditionally focused on regional governance and military support, while dukes had broader influence, often advising the monarch.
What symbolizes the rank of an earl or duke?
Distinctive coronets symbolize their ranks: earls have coronets with pearls set on spikes, while dukes have coronets adorned with leaves and pearls.
Can women hold the titles of earl or duke?
Yes, though historically rare, women can hold these titles, either in their own right or as the wives of earls or dukes.
Has the significance of these titles changed over time?
Yes, while their historical roles included governance and military duties, today they are more symbolic, reflecting heritage and social status.
What role do earls and dukes play in the modern UK?
They often engage in philanthropy, manage historical estates, and participate in ceremonial and cultural activities.
How does one become an earl or duke?
Titles are usually inherited, but the monarch can create new earls or dukes, often in recognition of significant contributions to the country.
Do earls and dukes still have political power?
Today, these titles carry more ceremonial than political significance, though some holders may participate in public service or the House of Lords.
What are the ceremonial duties of earls and dukes?
They may be involved in state ceremonies, charitable activities, and representing the monarchy at events within their regions.
Are there earls and dukes in other countries?
While similar titles exist, the specific ranks of earl and duke are unique to British and certain European nobility systems.
How are earldoms and dukedoms inherited?
These titles are typically hereditary, passed down through the male line, but can vary depending on specific family inheritances or royal grants.
Can dukedoms become extinct?
Yes, dukedoms can become extinct if there are no male heirs, though the monarch may later revive the title for new holders.
How do earls and dukes contribute to society today?
Beyond their ceremonial roles, many work in various sectors, including business, charity, and the arts, contributing to national and local communities.
What is the historical importance of earls and dukes?
Historically, they were key political, military, and social leaders, shaping the development and governance of regions within the kingdom.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
