History
The clan originates from the original Scotto-Pictish lines who created the Kings of Scotland and the Earldom or Mormaerdom of Fife. The direct male line of the Mormaer failed in 1353 after Edward I took Donnchadh IV prisoner in England. His aunt, Isabella, later gave the title to Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland. In 1425 the earldom was absorbed into the crown, notwithstanding the clan retained it status as first among clans.
The title of The Fife returned with William Duff, 1st Earl Fife and Viscount Macduff in 1759. Later Alexander Duff, 6th Earl of Fife and 1st Duke of Fife, married Princess Louise of Wales (later Princess Royal), daughter of The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).
The direct line of the ancient house is in dispute and supposedly continued in Wemyss, and moreover, in the northern territories, families of Clan Duff emerged with no proof of royal descent. For this reason of non-proof of headship, MacDuff is still Armigerous.
Read more about this topic: Clan MacDuff
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