THE people of Dumbarton are hotly anticipating a visit from the royal newlyweds following the announcement of the Scottish titles of Prince Harry and new wife Meghan.

On Saturday morning Buckingham Palace revealed Prince Harry and Meghan were to receive the Scottish titles of the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton.

The public were stunned at the appointment, as noted on social media, whilst politicians and representatives have said the new affiliation could do wonders for the town’s economy.

Anticipation is also building on whether there will be a royal visit in the near future.

Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, said: “I am delighted with the news and we look forward to a royal visit in the near future.”

West Dunbartonshire Council Provost William Hendrie said: "I hope that the Prince and Princess will actively use their titles and their new found connection with the town to benefit our community.

“While there are mixed views on the new titles in our area, I’m hopeful the new national and international focus on our town will help increase tourism and enhance the wider local economy.”

Maurice Corry, West Scotland MSP, and convener of the Holyrood cross-party group on the armed forces and veterans community, suggested the couple would be ideal candidates to open the new council offices on Church Street.

He added: “I hope we will see the newlywed couple making an appearance in Dumbarton within the not to distant future West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes encouraged the new Earl and Countess to “use their privileged positions to help tackle poverty and promote social equality”.

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie MSP said: “I think that this has the potential to be a real economic boost to the town and believe that we should use the royal link as an opportunity to boost tourism to Dumbarton.”

Dumbarton councillor Brian Walker echoed the sentiment, adding: “I was stunned to hear the news I immediately thought it was great for the town of Dumbarton. It really puts ourselves on the map.

“Possible benefits include an increase of visitors to the town, and a larger awareness of Dumbarton itself. I’m sure that the council will offer a full civic event for the royal couple.”

And fellow councillor David McBride quipped: “With any luck they will visit the town soon and this will force the SNP council to reverse the decision to stop cutting the grass in our greenspace.”

Prince Harry has also been made the Duke of Sussex and his new Northern Irish title is the Baron Kilkeel.

The royal groom was given a dukedom – the highest rank in the British peerage – to mark his marriage to Meghan Markle.

American former actress Meghan became Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex on her marriage at the St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

All titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.

Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales.

“His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”

The earldom has been extinct for more than 250 years – but its military links made it an ideal candidate for the Queen’s grandson, who served nine years in the armed forces.

The Dumbarton title was created in 1675 by King Charles II to reward one of his most favoured Scottish military commanders, Major-General George Douglas, for his regiment’s role in recent battles against the Dutch.

When James was deposed in the Glorious Revolution, the Earl of Dumbarton followed him into exile in France where he eventually died.

His son, the second Earl of Dumbarton, grew up in the exiled court and was commissioned in Charles Duborgay’s regiment of Foot and made a Lieutenant Colonel in 1715. He died in Douai, France, without having any children.

Harry is the third Earl of Dumbarton in history.

Meanwhile, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in Windsor on Saturday, 500 miles north in West Dunbartonshire, five other happy couples did the same.

The ceremonies were conducted, it was confirmed, by the council’s team of dedicated and professional registrars.