Earl Alexander of Tunis
The Earl Alexander of Tunis is a distinguished title within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, established to honor one of the most prominent military commanders of the 20th century. Combining a legacy of strategic brilliance and royal recognition, the earldom represents a lineage of service spanning multiple continents and military branches.
Key Facts
- Creation Date: 14 March 1952
- Created By: Queen Elizabeth II
- First Holder: Field Marshal Harold Alexander, 1st Viscount Alexander of Tunis
- Current Holder: Shane Alexander, 2nd Earl Alexander of Tunis
- Motto: Mare, Per Terras, Per Astra (By sea, by land, by the stars)
- Status: Extant
Origins and Creation
The earldom was created on 14 March 1952 by Queen Elizabeth II for Field Marshal Harold Alexander. Alexander's ascent through the peerage was a reflection of his military achievements. Prior to the earldom, he had been created Viscount Alexander of Tunis (of Errigal in the County of Donegal) on 1 March 1946.
Simultaneous with the granting of the earldom, he was also made Baron Rideau (of Ottawa and of Castle Derg in the County of Tyrone). These titles collectively reside within the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Field Marshal Alexander was the third son of James Alexander, the 4th Earl of Caledon.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Heraldry and Symbolism
The blazon, or formal description of the coat of arms, for the Earl Alexander of Tunis is rich in military and national symbolism. The arms feature a chevron and a crescent counter-changed on a field of Argent (silver/white) and Sable (black), with a Canton Azure (blue square) displaying a Harp Or (gold), stringed Argent.
Crest and Supporters
The crest depicts an arm in armor, bent (embowed), with the hand holding a sword. The supporters reflect the diverse military commands held by the first Earl:
- Dexter (Right): A Piper of the Irish Guards holding bagpipes, with an escutcheon (small shield) on the shoulder featuring six bars of Argent and Azure.
- Sinister (Left): A Sepoy of the 3rd/2nd Punjabi Regiment holding a rifle, also featuring an escutcheon of six bars of Argent and Azure on the shoulder.
Succession and Modern History
The title passed from the 1st Earl to his eldest son, Shane Alexander, who is the 2nd and present holder. The remainder of the title is designated to the 1st Earl's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten. The current heir presumptive is The Hon. Brian James Alexander.
The 2nd Earl had a brief political career, serving as a Lord-in-waiting—a government whip in the House of Lords—under Prime Minister Edward Heath from January to March 1974. However, his seat in the House of Lords was lost following the implementation of the House of Lords Act 1999, which reformed the membership of the chamber. Additionally, as a male line descendant of the 4th Earl of Caledon, he remains in the remainder for that peerage and its subsidiary titles.
Summary of the Earldom
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Peerage | Peerage of the United Kingdom |
| Subsidiary Titles | Viscount Alexander of Tunis; Baron Rideau |
| First Holder | Harold Alexander |
| Current Holder | Shane Alexander |
| Heir Presumptive | The Hon. Brian James Alexander |
| Motto | Mare, Per Terras, Per Astra |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Earl Alexander of Tunis?
The first holder was Field Marshal Harold Alexander, a distinguished military commander who was granted the title by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.
What are the subsidiary titles associated with this earldom?
The subsidiary titles include Viscount Alexander of Tunis and Baron Rideau.
What does the motto "Mare, Per Terras, Per Astra" mean?
The motto translates from Latin to "By sea, by land, by the stars."
Why did the 2nd Earl lose his seat in the House of Lords?
He lost his seat due to the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999, which removed the automatic right of most hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House.
Who is the current heir to the title?
The heir presumptive is The Hon. Brian James Alexander.