The Current Duke of Manchester: Alexander Montagu and His Contested Title

Confusion often surrounds the identity of the current Duke of Manchester. Alexander Charles David Drogo Montagu, born in Australia and currently residing in the United States, carries the title of 13th Duke. However, his claim to the title is not without controversy. This article aims to clarify the current situation and shed light on the ongoing dispute regarding the rightful heir to the title.

A Brief Overview of Alexander Montagu

Alexander Montagu, a burglar who spent time in prison in both the United States and Australia, is the most prominent claimant to the Duke of Manchester title. Born in 1958, he is the eldest son of the late 12th Duke Angus Montagu, who passed away in 2002. Despite his dubious origin, Montagu has attempted to establish himself as the rightful heir to the title.

The Controversy Surrounding the Succession

The succession to the title of Duke of Manchester has been mired in controversy. The 12th Duke was reportedly opposed to Alexander's right to inherit the title, claiming that Alexander was illegitimate. This claim, if true, would make Alexander's younger brother, Kimble, the rightful heir. However, Kimble has not made any public claim to the title.

Legal and Immaterial Issues

Despite these claims, Alexander Montagu has not registered the proof of his legitimate succession to the title, as required by law. Therefore, while he may be the rightful Duke of Manchester, he is not officially recognized as such and cannot use the title on official documents or on his passport. Legally, it is not permissible to sell titles of nobility in the United Kingdom, although Montagu has attempted to do exactly that, offering to sell the title for millions of pounds.

The Duke's Controversial Background

Montagu's background is one marked by scandal. He has a criminal record, having been convicted of bigamy in the UK and serving time in Australian and American prisons. His attempts to gain recognition for his title have been met with skepticism, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claim.

Strategies to Boost His Profile

Montagu has employed various strategies to boost his profile, including anonymous trolling on various social media platforms. His photos wearing ermine, a traditional ceremonial attire, appear more like Halloween costumes than regal attire, raising further doubts about his right to the title. The controversial nature of his actions has garnered him a significant amount of attention, albeit negative.

Controversial Reception on Social Media

Online discussions about Alexander Montagu have been overwhelmingly negative, with many questioning the legitimacy of his claim. However, his followers have supported him through anonymous trolling and other social media activities, attempting to leverage some sort of financial gain through his controversial status.

The Future of the Title

The future of the Duke of Manchester title remains uncertain. Legal and emotional debates continue to rage, with no clear resolution in sight. As it stands, Alexander Montagu is the current holder of the title, despite the controversies surrounding his claim. The situation highlights the complexities and controversies often associated with traditional titles of nobility.

Conclusion

The current Duke of Manchester, Alexander Montagu, remains a controversial figure. His claim to the title is disputed, and the future of the title is uncertain. Whether he will ultimately be recognized as the rightful heir or whether the title will remain contested remains to be seen.

Keywords

Duke of Manchester, Alexander Montagu, Peerage