Archduke
title of nobility in Austria and the Habsburg Empire
The title of Archduke (feminine: Archduchess) (German: Erzherzog, feminine form: Erzherzogin) is a rank above Duke and under King. It is very rare. It was used only by males of the House of Habsburg.
Ruler style change
The English word is recorded only since 1530, derived from Middle Latin archidux, from arch(i)- (primary or chief) + dux 'duke' .
Archduke (Erzherzog) is a title distinct from Grand Duke (Großherzog or Großfürst) that is used in some other German royal houses and still in sovereign Luxemburg.
Fictional archdukes change
- Poggle the Lesser was the Archduke of Geonosis, a planet from the Star Wars universe.
Famous archdukes and duchesses change
- Empress Maria Theresa was Archduchess of Austria.
- Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria is better known as "Marie Antoinette" and was a daughter of Maria Theresa and the wife of Louis XVI of France.
- Maria Teresa of Austria was the wife of Louis XIV of France and is better known as "Marie Thérèse".
