Who Was More Highly Ranked Before Marriage: Princess Diana or the Queen Mother?

Introduction

The question of which member of the British royal family held a higher rank before marriage is an intriguing one, especially when considering Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. Both women experienced prominence in society due to their connections to the nobility, yet their titles and precedence were established at different times. This article explores the historical context of their titles and the rules governing precedence in the British nobility to identify who held a more highly ranked position before their marriages into royalty.

Understanding the Historical Context

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The Queen Mother's Title: Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne

ttThe Earldom of Strathmore and Kinghorne was created in 1606, far earlier than the creation of the Earldom of Spencer, which occurred in 1765. This significant gap in time means that Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who later became the Queen Mother, already held a highly prestigious title at the time of her marriage to Prince George, later King George VI. The Earldom of Strathmore and Kinghorne is rooted in the nobility of the Scottish peerage, adding to its historical significance. t

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Princess Diana's Title: Earl of Spencer

ttIn contrast, Lady Diana Spencer, later Princess Diana, had a title established with the creation of the Earldom of Spencer in 1765. While this is a noteworthy title, it does not hold the historical resonance or seniority of the Bowes-Lyon title. The Spencer family was recognized in the nobility, but its establishment is a more recent event compared to the Bowes-Lyon title. t

Nobility Precedence Rules

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Precedence Based on the Earldom's Creation Date

ttIn the British nobility, precedence is often determined by the creation date of the peerage title. For instance, if two individuals hold peerage titles, the one with the older title would generally take precedence. Given that the Earldom of Strathmore and Kinghorne predates the Earldom of Spencer by over 150 years, this would have a significant impact on their precedence. t

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Practical Application of Precedence

ttPractically, when attending social events, the Queen Mother's title would take precedence over Princess Diana's. This is not just a matter of protocol, but a reflection of the historical and cultural importance of the titles. For instance, in the context of royal events or dinners, the Queen Mother would be seated in a position of higher honor.

Conclusion

tThe Queen Mother, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, had a more highly ranked position before marriage due to the historical significance and seniority of the title of Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. This title was created centuries before the Earldom of Spencer, which is why the Queen Mother would take precedence over Princess Diana, Lady Diana Spencer, in social and formal contexts. t