Aetheling

By Crusader1307

While the term ''Aetheling'' is more associated with the early Anglo-Saxon Ruling Line of the 9th thru 11th Centuries, the term is also more accurately associated with a Classification of Royalty. The term was used to identify those Princes of Royal blood (legally created via lawful and Church approved marriage), as Heirs to a Throne.

Illegitimate Males were NOT considered ''Aetheling'', even if recognized by their Royal Fathers. Blood and marriage had to be properly ''recorded and attested''. Some Blood Lines used the ''Aetheling'' in their name a to signify their ''blood seal'' and ''blood right'' to a Throne.