The title was first held by Duke Ernest Augustus of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Bishop of Osnabrück, the youngest brother of King George I.

The second creation of the Dukedom of York and Albany was for Prince Edward, younger brother of King George III.

The third and last creation of the Dukedom of York and Albany was for Prince Frederick Augustus, the second son of King George III.

He served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army for many years, and he was the original "grand old Duke of York" in the popular rhyme.

Queen Victoria granted the title Duke of Albany (single geographic designation) in 1881 to her fourth son, Prince Leopold, and the title Duke of York (single geographic designation) in 1892 to her eldest grandson (second but by then only living) Prince George.