The Earl of Leicester is a title in the British peerage, first created in 1564 for Robert Dudley, a close friend of Queen Elizabeth I. The title has been held by various individuals over the centuries, often associated with the historic town of Leicester in England. The current holder of the title is the Earl of Leicester from the Mowbray family, who has been involved in various charitable and community activities. The title is part of the wider system of nobility in the United Kingdom, which includes other ranks such as duke, marquess, and viscount.