In the meantime, Nevill's father was created Earl of Abergavenny on 17 May; as his heir apparent, Henry received the courtesy title of "Viscount Nevill". Hanbury had died abroad in France on 6 April, leaving a vacancy in Monmouthshire. Hanbury's first cousin, John Hanbury Williams (1749-1819) and Nevill both offered themselves as candidates, but Nevill obtained the support of the Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort, Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire, and the Morgan family of Tredegar, and Hanbury Williams declined to contest it.
While Nevill's father was made Earl of Abergavenny on May 17th, making him heir apparent, Henry received the courtesy title of Viscount Nevill.  Hanbury died in France on April 6th, leaving a vacancy in Monmouthshire. Hanbury's cousin, John Hanbury Williams, and Nevill both sought the position, but Nevill secured support from Lord Beaufort and the Morgan family, while Williams declined to contest it.