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Difference Between Duchess and Princess

Duchess and princess are described as the two most elevated female crowns in the peerage.

Duchess and princess are described as the two most elevated female crowns in the peerage. The significant difference between duchess and princess shows that the duchess is a missis or a widow of a duke or a female assuming a status equal to a duke in her liberty. Conversely, a princess naturally refers to a daughter or granddaughter of a queen and a king. Even though a princess surpasses a duchess, these two crowns can be handled by one individual.

Who is a Duchess?

Crowned duchess is the female equal of a duke. A duchess can be described as a missis or widow of a duke. If not this description, it can mean a female holding a title equal to a duke in her fairness. A duke’s daughter can only be referred to as a duchess if she is the only successor to the duke. Duchess and duke are the most elevated hierarchical titles in the peerage. They are higher than the ranks of marchioness and marquess, viscount and viscountess, earl and countess, and baron and baroness. Most royal homes confer dukedoms to their royal princes and princesses. This explains why some princes and princesses acquire both crowns, such as Duke and Duchess and prince and princess. An instance is Prince Charles, who also handles the crown of Duke of Cornwell, which automatically, his wife holds the crown of the Duchess of Cornwell, also adding to the crown of a Princess of Wales.

Who is a Princess?

A princess is described as a royal crown and is the female equal to a prince. This crown is naturally used for daughters or granddaughters of a king or a queen. For instance, Princess Charlotte is Queen Elizabeth’s great-granddaughter, Princess Anne is Queen Elizabeth’s daughter, and Princess Margaret is King George V’s daughter and Queen Elizabeth’s sister. Those mentioned above are all royal princesses by birth. Also, a female who does not own any royal crown can acquire the title of a princess when she marries a royal prince. One instance is Diana Spencer, who received the crown of the Princess of Wales after getting married to Prince Charles. Hence, a princess by marriage will lose her crown if the couple goes through a legal separation.

Difference Between Duchess and Princess

  • A duchess can be described as a missis or widow of a duke. Duchess can also be described as a woman who holds a title equal to a duke in her fairness. In contrast, a princess is described as a female constituent of a royal home, mostly a daughter or a granddaughter of a queen or king.
  • A duchess is the most elevated title in the peerage, although it is lower than the title of a princess. Princess is naturally a title higher than a duchess.
  • The daughter of a duke can only be referred to as a duchess if she is the sole successor of the duke. The daughter of a queen or king, or prince is naturally described as a princess.
  • Duchess is often addressed as “Your Grace”. Princess is often addressed as “Your Royal Highness or Your Highness”.