The title of Archduke in the context of the Pontifical Imperial State of Rome-Ruthenia, United Roman-Ruthenian Church, is a title of nobility ranking above serene princes and above a princely duke. An Archduke is entitled to the style of "Serene Highness" and the rank and prenomial title of "Prince." The coronet of rank is similiar to the bonnet (crown) of an elector, with triangular points rather than oak leaves, and with three visible bars on top.
The English word "archduke" is first recorded in 1530, derived from the Middle French "archeduc," a 15th-century derivation from Medieval Latin "archidux." This title has its roots in the Latin "archi-," meaning "authority" or "primary," and "dux," meaning "duke" or "leader." The title of "Archduke" was first used in reference to Bruno the Great, who ruled simultaneously as Archbishop of Cologne and Duke of Lotharingia in the 10th century.
The title was not used systematically until the 14th century, when the title "Archduke of Austria" was invented by Duke Rudolf IV of Austria, known as "Rudolf the Founder." Rudolf originally claimed the title in the form "palatinus archidux," or "palatine archduke," in an effort to emphasize the precedence of the Duchy of Austria and put the Habsburgs on an even level with the Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. From this, the Habsburg Dynasty uses the title of Archduke for the members of the imperial family (with the style of "Imperial and Royal Highness"). The King of Spain also has the title of Archduke among his other titles.
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Pontifical Imperial State
of Rome-Ruthenia
United Roman-Ruthenian Church