Historic curse linked to Dukedom of Cambridge raises concerns for young royals' futures
As Prince William steadily prepares for his future as king while King Charles undergoes cancer treatment, fresh concerns have emerged surrounding the royal titles that may one day be passed down to his sons, Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6.
Traditionally, royal titles are granted based on a family member’s proximity to the throne. Before becoming Prince of Wales, William and Catherine were given the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 after their wedding. That title, expected to pass to one of their sons in the future, is now under scrutiny due to its troubled past.
Reports reveal that the Dukedom of Cambridge, first created in 1660 during the reign of King Charles II, has long been viewed as “unlucky.” Within the first 17 years of its existence, four young royals who held the title died tragically young. Charles Stuart, the first Duke and nephew of King Charles II, died at just six months old. His brothers, James and Edgar Stuart, both passed away by age three, and a second Edgar died just a month after birth.
The title was discontinued for decades before Queen Anne revived it in 1706 for George Augustus, the future King George II. It was later held by Prince Adolphus in 1801 and then his son, Prince George, in 1850. Prince William is the eighth Duke of Cambridge, inheriting the title after his uncle, Prince Edward, declined the offer.
Now, the fate of the title rests with the timing of royal succession. If King Charles remains on the throne when George comes of age, he is likely to become Duke of Cambridge. But if William is king, George will take the title Prince of Wales, while Prince Louis would inherit the Cambridge dukedom.
While Prince William has not experienced misfortune during his tenure as Duke of Cambridge—leading some to believe the curse may be broken—the troubling legacy continues to cast a shadow over what should be a prestigious inheritance for the next generation.
