Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974) was a renowned American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his iconic jazz orchestra. Born in Washington, D.C., he later gained national prominence through his orchestra's performances at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Ellington's influence in jazz is unparalleled, as he wrote or collaborated on over one thousand compositions, many of which have become jazz standards. Notably, his collaboration with composer-arranger-pianist Billy Strayhorn led to multiple extended compositions and short pieces, marking a creative peak for the group. Ellington's inventive use of the orchestra and charismatic presence set him apart, earning him a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Award for music in 1999. His childhood and early musical influences shaped his remarkable career, with his parents' musical talents and his exposure to various piano players fueling his love for the instrument. Despite initial doubts about his piano skills, Ellington's innate talent ultimately defined his legacy in the world of jazz.

The Duke of Norfolk is a prestigious title in the peerage of England, held by the premier non-royal peer. The current duke is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, and the seat of the Duke of Norfolk is Arundel Castle in Sussex. The dukes have historically been Catholic, known as recusancy in England, and all past and present dukes have been descended from Edward I. The title has a rich history, beginning with the Bigod Earls of Norfolk and passing through various families before being inherited by the descendants of John Howard. The Catholic faith of the Howard dynasty often led to conflicts with reigning monarchs, resulting in periods of forfeiture and restoration of titles and lands. The title passed through different branches of the Howard family due to lack of legitimate male heirs, eventually leading to the succession of Henry Fitzalan-Howard as the 15th Duke of Norfolk in 1856. The Duke of Norfolk's lineage is deeply intertwined with English history, and the title continues to be held with great significance.

The Duke of Westminster is a prestigious title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, first conferred upon Hugh Grosvenor in 1874 by Queen Victoria. The title has remained within the Grosvenor family, with the present holder being Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke. Notably, the Duke is the godfather of Prince George of Wales and holds seats at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, and Abbeystead House, Lancashire. The family's historical London town house was Grosvenor House, Park Lane, and their traditional burial place is the Old Churchyard adjacent to St Mary's Church, Eccleston. The Grosvenor family's history dates back to the 17th century, with Sir Richard Grosvenor being created Baronet of Eaton in 1622. Over the years, the family has held various subsidiary titles, including Marquess of Westminster, Earl Grosvenor, Viscount Belgrave, and Baron Grosvenor. As of now, there is no heir to the Dukedom of Westminster, and the Earl of Wilton is the heir presumptive to the Marquessate. For more information, visit the "Grosvenor Group website."

In the Middle Ages, the duke of Normandy held power over the Duchy of Normandy in north-western France, which originated from a land grant to Viking leader Rollo by the French king Charles the Simple in 911. Despite the duchy's expansion through royal grants, it was eventually conquered by the French king Philip II in 1204 and became a French royal province. The title "Duke of Normandy" has been informally associated with the monarch of the United Kingdom, regardless of gender, since its loss in the 13th century. Before 1066, the ruler of Normandy was commonly referred to as the "Count of Normandy" or "Count of the Normans." The title "Duke of Normandy" was first officially recorded in an act in favor of the Abbey of Fécamp in 1006 by Richard II, Duke of Normandy. The Norman rulers used various titles, including "Count of Rouen," "Prince," and "Marquis," before settling on the ducal title. The title Duke of Normandy was often held by the King of England from 1066, with the duchy remaining with the English monarch until 1204.

The Duke of Marlborough is a prestigious title in the Peerage of England, originally created for John Churchill, a renowned military leader, by Queen Anne in 1702. The dukedom is named after Marlborough in Wiltshire, and it holds significant historical and architectural significance, notably being the site of Blenheim Palace, a national monument and family home. John Churchill's marriage to Sarah Jennings resulted in influential offspring, with their descendants continuing the legacy of the dukedom.The succession of the title has seen several notable individuals, including Henrietta, Francis Godolphin, Charles Spencer, and George Spencer, who have all played pivotal roles in shaping the history and heritage of the Marlborough title. The family seat, Blenheim Palace, remains a symbol of the dukedom's enduring legacy, serving as the final resting place for most dukes and duchesses of Marlborough.In addition to the title of Duke of Marlborough, the family holds subsidiary titles, such as Marquess of Blandford, Earl of Sunderland, Earl of Marlborough, Baron Spencer of Wormleighton, and Baron Churchill of Sandridge, all in the Peerage of England. The courtesy titles associated with the dukedom are also a part of the family's heritage and lineage.The current Duke, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, continues to uphold the illustrious legacy of the Marlborough title, preserving its historical and cultural significance.