This Friday, March 10, 2023, Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth, turns 59. The date has been opportune for his brother, King Charles, to present him with a precious gift: a new royal title.
Edward, who since his marriage to Sophie Rhys Jones, had held the title of Earl of Wessex, now inherits the title from his father Prince Philip.
Prince Edward duke of Edinburgh
From now on, Prince Edward will be known as Duke of Edinburgh. Sophie will now be the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Previously there had been speculation that Philip’s title would pass to Princess Charlotte, granddaughter of King Charles, but Queen Elizabeth left in writing her wish that on the death of her husband, the title of Duke of Edinburgh would be inherited by her youngest son and Charles has fulfilled his mother’s last wish.
The Duchy of Edinburgh was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, on the occasion of his marriage to the then Princess Elizabeth, who was Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952 after the death of his father, George VI.
In the official statement released this morning by Buckingham Palace, one can read:
Edward and Sophie “are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy, promoting opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential”.
This appointment comes a day after Buckingham Palace made it official that both Archie and Lilibet are princes.