Prince George or Prince Louis could inherit William's royal title with tragic past

Prince William may now be known worldwide as the Prince of Wales, but before taking on the senior royal title, he was the Duke of Cambridge: a historic dukedom with a surprisingly dark past. 

Now, there’s speculation that one of his sons, either Prince George or Prince Louis, could inherit the title in the future, reviving a name long associated with royal misfortune.

The dukedom of Cambridge dates back to 1660 when it was first granted by King Charles II. 

But in its early years, the title brought little but heartbreak. Within just 17 years of its creation, four young royals who held the title all tragically died in childhood.

According to MyLondon, the first Duke of Cambridge was Charles Stuart, the six-month-old nephew of King Charles II, who died as a baby. 

His younger brothers James and Edgar Stuart also briefly held the title before dying at ages three and three, respectively, both reportedly from illnesses like smallpox or the plague. 

A fourth brother, Charles, was given the title but passed away just 35 days later.

Later, in the 19th century, it was revived for Prince Adolphus and his son Prince George, whose death in 1904 saw the title lapse once again due to a marriage considered invalid under the Royal Marriages Act.

Queen Elizabeth II revived the title once more in 2011, gifting it to Prince William on his wedding day to Kate Middleton. 

But when William inherited the Prince of Wales title following his father's ascension to the throne in 2022, the Cambridge title became vacant again and now speculation is growing over who might inherit it next.

If Prince George marries while his father is still the reigning monarch, royal tradition suggests he could be given the title of Duke of Cambridge. 

However, if William is King by then, George would likely become Prince of Wales instead, as the title traditionally passes to the heir apparent.

That opens the door for Prince Louis, William's youngest son, to become the next Duke of Cambridge. 

RELATED: Why Prince Louis might one day hold Prince Andrew's controversial title