When the Shoe Fits

I posted about how very much I adore the Tudors a couple weeks ago. You can read that post here: Tudor Love. And in that post, I mentioned briefly why I refer to myself as "Duchess Writer." Recently, though, a friend asked about my title, so I thought I'd go a little more in depth.

Yes, I've long had a fascination with kings and queens, particularly of the British persuasion. What little girl doesn't dream about being a princess, right?  My dreams, though, started with a legend.

I mentioned Rick Wakeman in the Tudor post. My dad also had his album about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The liner notes contained a schematic drawing of the Round Table, complete with the names of some of the knights. I studied that, memorized it, even did a 4th grade report on it. Arthur and his story captivated me.

Still does, actually. In fact, I just marked First Knight on Netflix to watch for the millionth time. Our high school did Camelot my sophomore year, and I was involved with that. I love the stories, even though many of them are not accurate. Of course, it's a legend, so can it ever be truly accurate?

My love of Arthur led to my love of Henry II. The Lion in Winter is another fabulous film--the original with Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn. Richard the Lionheart, Prince John...all characters in history with intriguing stories. The War of the Roses and the Tudor lineage, I can never get enough! I could happily study these stories for the rest of my days.

Naturally, I wanted to be a noble. I'm as common as they come, but I know my heart bears a noble rhythm. One fall evening, I had emerged from reading about my liege, Henry VIII, and his lovely daughter Elizabeth (for whom I am middle-named, or so I claim!), and I expressed to my family how very badly I wanted to go live in merry olde England. I could so easily live a royal lifestyle.

This resulted in an Internet search on all things British. As I surfed and dreamed, I found the British Title Registrars. For a modest (ha!) fee, I could purchase the noble title I've always desired. Oh, many of the titles sound great, but I always loved the sound of duchess. Perhaps it goes back to The Aristocats, but it always stuck in my head.

I mentioned this to my brother, and promptly forgot about it. Until I received a set of beautiful certificates for Christmas. Cream colored parchment, black ink, and red ribbons, proclaiming me to be a duchess! It's a gift I will never forget.

So that's how I joined the great line-up of British royals and nobles. My blood isn't blue. I don't wear a tiara (although I totally should!). And my English is of the American style. But yes, indeed, I am a duchess.

What title would you choose?

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