Future of Royal Titles: Abdication, Renaming, and Constitutional Evolution
It was a title created for the abdicated Edward VIII. So possibly not. However its out there so could be used if required again.
It is a good question. Just as marriage is not seen as a lifetime sacrament in 2023 as it was in 1936, perhaps attitudes towards coronation have already or will further evolve. In some monarchies, abdication does not carry the same stigma as it did in mid-20th century Britain. For instance, in the Netherlands, there is a well-established convention that monarchs can abdicate, often transitioning to a semi-retired role where they can carry out royal duties on behalf of the new monarch. Such a system could potentially be adopted in the UK. In this scenario, a former monarch could be given a title other than Duke of Windsor, which is associated with the troubled events of 1936.
Retirement of Titles with Negative Associations
Given that the title of Duke of Windsor was last offered to facilitate a way out of a constitutional crisis, and given the connotations that come with this title and the events it is associated with, it is unlikely that the title will be used again for a very long time, if at all. Titles with negative associations tend to be permanently retired. The dukedoms of Albany and Cumberland, for example, will not be revived as both incumbents were deprived of their titles as traitors in World War I. Despite the Queen being a proud daughter of York, her son has forever besmirched the name, indicating the permanence of such decisions.
Renaming and Constitutional Reform
The next royal male who will be made a duke upon marriage is likely to be Prince George or Prince Louis, if George is already Prince of Wales. There are still extinct titles available. For instance, the Duke of Clarence would be a possibility as it has strong royal associations, and was the third duchy created by Edward III after Cornwall and Lancaster. Strathearn is a popular royal dukedom, although it has always been a combined dukedom. Unfortunately, Prince William is already Earl of Strathearn, so this title is no longer an option. However, there are plenty of other extinct or forfeited titles to choose from, such as Warwick, Somerset, and Richmond.
Conclusion
The evolution of royal titles, the possibility of abdication, and the renaming or creation of new titles are all part of a broader discussion around constitutional reform and changing societal norms. As the world evolves, so too must the institution of the monarchy, and this includes the titles and roles associated with royal members.