He was "Graf von Bismarck-Schönhausen" (Count Bismarck-Schönhausen) in 1865. In 1871, he eas "Fürst" von Bismarck (Prince Bismarck). In 1890, he became the "Herzog von Lauenburg" (Duke of Lauenburg). At first, he did not want to become a duke, but he accepted the title later.