| Barony of Kilkeel | |
| Creation Date: | 19 May 2018 (announced)[1] 16 July 2018 (Letters Patent) |
| Creation: | First |
| Remainder To: | the 1st Baron's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten |
| Status: | Extant |
Baron Kilkeel is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created on 19 May 2018 by Queen Elizabeth II as a subsidiary title for her grandson Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, upon the occasion of his marriage to Meghan Markle.[2] It is named after the small fishing port of Kilkeel, County Down, with a population of 6,887, in the District of Newry, Mourne and Down in Northern Ireland. On the same day, he was also created Duke of Sussex and Earl of Dumbarton.[3] Traditionally, male members of the royal family are granted at least one title on their wedding day by the monarch.[4]
Prior to 2018, there had never been a noble title connected to Kilkeel ([5] [6]), which lies within the historic barony of Mourne.[7] In the Middle Ages, it was said to be the centre of power of the Mugdorna (Múrna, Mughdorna, Mourne), an Irish tribe. It is located near the Mourne Mountains and is used as the base for a large fishing fleet.[8] [9]
The barony was newly created to allow Prince Harry to hold a Northern Irish title.[10] The title of the barony was discussed between the Queen and Prince Harry privately; however, the Queen was the one who chose the title to bestow.[11]
| Prince Harry
House of Windsor
2018–present
also: Duke of Sussex and Earl of Dumbarton (2018)| | 15 September 1984
St Mary's Hospital, London
son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer| Meghan Markle
19 May 2018
2 children, Prince Archie of Sussex Princess Lilibet of Sussex| Living|-|}