A REMOTE Borders wilderness could soon be seeing some royal stardust, according to the bookmakers, writes Mark Howarth.

Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle are expected to receive a set of Scottish titles following their wedding in May.

And one of the likeliest choices is the Earl and Countess of Deloraine, which comes with the Latin motto Amo...‘I love’.

Deloraine is an area centred around a burn of the same name that runs down out of the Selkirkshire hills to join the Ettrick Water.

The earldom has been extinct for more than 200 years – but its military links make it an ideal candidate for the Queen’s grandson, who served nine years in the Armed Forces as does the fact that three of its four holders have been called Henry.

McBookie.com has Deloraine as 4/1 third favourite behind Ross, the 6/4 frontrunner, and Dumbarton at 3/1.

Wendy Bosberry-Scott, co-editor of the reference book Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, said: “The Scottish title Prince Harry receives is likely to be an earldom but there are very few clues here.

“One potential candidate is Ross, but this was last held by Charles I – who was executed in 1649 - so it may well be considered unlucky.

“But, at this point, it is merely speculation and many factors will have to be considered before a suitable title is chosen.”

In England, Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, are expected to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

But the Queen also has to decide which Scottish titles to bestow on the pair.

Harry is likely to be made an earl rather than a duke, ensuring he doesn’t outrank brother William – Earl of Strathearn - and uncle Andrew – Earl of Inverness.

The Deloraine title was created in 1706 by Queen Anne for her distant cousin Henry Scott, one of the members of the Scottish Parliament who voted for the Act of Union with England the year after.

He later rose to become a Major-General in the Army and was a member of George I’s Royal Household.

Scott’s son Francis inherited the earldom in 1730 and – just like Prince Harry – became a Cornet in the forces.

When he died aged 28, his brother Henry – a Royal Navy captain - took on the title but he perished prematurely in 1740.

His son, also Henry, was the fourth earl but he would be the last holder as he died without children in 1807.

Earl of Ross is the favourite as it has a history of being bestowed on royal second sons, but two of the four holders – including Mary Queen of Scots’ husband Lord Darnley - were murdered, which could be seen as a jinx.

Other vacant earldoms for Buckingham Palace to choose from include Ormond at 7/1 while Forfar – close to the late Queen Mother’s childhood home of Glamis Castle - is 8/1.

McBookie spokesman Paul Petrie said: “This might seem like a bit of royal pass-the-parcel but actually a lot of thought and research goes into bestowing a title.

“There is history and prestige behind each one and the Queen will be advised on what is the best fit for the couple and no doubt have her own ideas too.

“These titles are used officially when members of the royal family come to Scotland; it ensures we continue to have our own distinct identity within the United Kingdom and don’t just followed the lead from England.”

He added: “History may be pointing to Ross or Dumbarton but the fact that the Earls of Deloraine were largely military men called Henry is a remarkable coincidence – and that romantic motto might just swing it if Harry and Meghan get a say in the matter.

“Then again, perhaps Forfar would be the perfect choice for a prince and his bridie.”

Other princes have their own Scottish titles; Charles is the Duke of Rothesay, Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.