Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk


Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, , styled Earl of Arundel between 1975 and 2002, is a British peer who holds the office of Earl Marshal. As Duke of Norfolk, he is the most senior lay peer in the peerage of England.

Background and education

Norfolk is the son of Miles Francis Stapleton Fitzalan-Howard, 17th Duke of Norfolk, and his wife Anne Mary Teresa Constable-Maxwell. He was educated at Ampleforth College, a Roman Catholic independent school, and then attended Lincoln College, Oxford.
He has a brother, Lord Gerald, and three sisters, including the actress Marsha Fitzalan.

Career

Norfolk worked with various companies, and from 2000 to 2002 was Deputy Earl Marshal. Upon the death of his father in 2002, he inherited the late Duke of Norfolk's peerages and the position of Earl Marshal. He was a Cub Scout whilst at school at Ampleforth College and currently holds two appointments in the Scout Movement. He was until 2010 the President of 1st Arundel Scout Group, and is still the president of the Arundel & Littlehampton District Scouts. He is also patron of West Sussex County Scouts. In June 2003 he was awarded the Medal of Merit for Services to the Scout Movement. He is an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge.

Personal life

He is a Roman Catholic. The Duke, then Earl of Arundel, married Georgina Susan Gore on 27 June 1987 at Arundel Cathedral. Together, they have three sons and two daughters:
In 2002, he inherited the Dukedom of Norfolk, as well as a number of earldoms, baronies, hereditary offices, and titles attached to the Dukedom, from his father. His office of Earl Marshal, one of the Great Officers of State, makes him responsible for State occasions, such as coronations and the State Opening of Parliament. He is also, by virtue of this office, one of the hereditary judges of the Court of Chivalry and head of the College of Arms, responsible for heraldry in England and Wales as well as other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations.

List of peerages