Joseph Somerset, The Duke of Richmond

His Grace The Most Noble The Duke of Richmond KG KT KP GCB GCVO CH KCMG
Member of Parliament for Chichester
Incumbent
Assumed office 30 May 2026 (23 days)
Preceded by	Himself
Majority	11 (61.1%)
Personal details
Born	Joseph Henry Edward John Somerset 10 June 2020 (6 years, 12 days)
Political party	Alliance Party
Parent	George VII
Occupation	Statesman Parliamentarian Politician
Signature

Joseph Henry Edward John Somerset, The Duke of Richmond (joined 10 June 2020) is a British statesman, parliamentarian, and Alliance politician who currently serves as the Leader of the Alliance Party and Member of Parliament for Chichester.

Richmond began his career after years of staying out of the spotlight. He preferred tending to his large estates in Sandringham, Norfolk, and Westhampnett, West Sussex. He was also known to have traveled extensively across the Empire and the Commonwealth. After a brief career in politics, having served as First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for the Home Office, Secretary of State for Defence, and Member of Parliament for Chichester, the Duke of Richmond decided to maintain public life, but in the service of the Royal Family. He was later nominated and appointed to both the Election Commission and the Royal Court of Justice. As a Counsellor of State, he helped the Crown with day-to-day responsibilities.

On 24 March 2026, Somerset was created the Duke of Richmond, Marquess of Flintshire, Earl of Strathnaver, Viscount Castlereagh, and Baron Palmerston by his father.

Richmond is the youngest son of George VII. He lives at Sandringham House in Norfolk and Goodwood House in West Sussex, both large country estates, as well as Gordon Castle in Moray.

Political Career

Richmond began his career after years of staying out of the spotlight. He preferred tending to his large estates in Sandringham, Norfolk and Westhampnett, West Sussex. He was also known to have traveled extensively across the Empire and the Commonwealth. On 24 March 2026, he was called by the Prime Minister and his nephew, Philip Somerset, to serve as the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for the Home Office. His first responsibility was to chair the Public Consultation on Citizenship Reform. As one of the main campaign promises of the Prime Minister, the consultation received much engagement, both on the forums and the regional server. Both Somerset and Richmond spoke with the community over a voice call for over two hours on the merits of a World Assembly requirement for citizenship. During the consultation, Richmond proposed The Working Formula for Citizenship Reform, which synthesized the concerns of the community with the goals of the government. This model served as the foundation for the government's position.

At the same time, Richmond ran in the March 2026 By-Election; standing for Chichester. In his campaign, "Building Prosperity," he outlined his goals supporting the Unionist platform promises of a World Assembly requirement for citizenship and the return of the Address-in-Reply in its original form. He was elected on 28 March 2026.

While I understand not everyone agrees to my points of view, I commit to keeping an open mind and heart to all arguments. Everyone in the House of Commons has earned their seat and mandate by the British people. To hear out all concerns is not just about generosity to my colleagues but to everyone who voted in their support.

— The Duke of Richmond, "Building Prosperity"

Selected Quotes

• "We are a NationStates region: first, foremost, primarily, entirely."
• "Everyone in the House of Commons has earned their seat and mandate by the British people. To hear out all concerns is not just about generosity to my colleagues but to everyone who voted in their support."