Kilkeel honoured with Harry and Meghan royal title nod

The fishing town of Kilkeel in Co Down has been honoured with a royal title nod, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle become Baron and Baroness of Kilkeel.

The couple will also be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton in Scotland.

The pair tied the knot in a ceremony in Windsor on Saturday.

Their Northern Ireland titles are a first, as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mourne has never previously been granted as a royal title.

If Harry had not been given a title, tradition would have dictated that Meghan would become Princess Henry – taking her husband’s first name as she is not a princess in her own right.

That is not something Meghan, a former UN women’s advocate, is likely to have wanted to do.

One historian noted that younger sons so not always get a Northern Ireland title.

Clarissa Campbell Orr, visiting fellow at St Mary's University, said: “Because they are further away from the throne, it is less crucial for them to have a title in each place.”

She added: “It’s interesting that the town has got a population equally divided between Catholic and Protestant. I don’t know if that was a factor in the decision.

“I’m sure the town is pretty chuffed to get that recognition.”

Local independent unionist councillor Henry Reilly said: “Everybody in Mourne is shocked and delighted.

“Prince Charles was here a number of years ago. He was really impressed with the raw beauty of the area, so I don't know if that has got something to do with it.

“I have been out in Kilkeel this morning. People from all sectors of the community - Catholic, Protestant - everyone is really pleased and proud and we look forward to welcoming Harry and Meghan soon.”

DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also welcomed the news on Twitter, saying: “Thrilled that Prince Harry is to become Baron Kilkeel on his wedding day.

“The folk in my native Mourne will be over the moon. A truly historic day for Kilkeel.”