Prince Edward Receives New Royal Title, Becomes Duke Of Edinburgh On 59th Birthday
King Charles III has named Prince Edward the new Duke of Edinburgh.
The official announcement, published on the royal’s official website, says in part, “His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday.”
The youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II turned 59 on Friday.
Prince Philip held the Duke of Edinburgh title from 1947 to 2021. It was created for him upon his marriage to the then-Princess Elizabeth, who was the Duchess of Edinburgh before ascending to the British Throne in 1952.
In its recent report covering the new title grant from King Charles III, Hello! Magazine recalled that Buckingham Palace previously announced Prince Edward would eventually succeed Prince Philip as the Duke of Edinburgh.
It quoted in its piece the statement from the palace at the time, saying, “The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales have also agreed that Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.”
The Dukedom of Edinburgh reverted to the Crown following the passing of the Queen’s consort in April 2021.
With Prince Edward becoming the new Duke of Edinburgh, the change in the royal title also applies to his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Express UK said the royal-born Prince’s wife has become the Duchess of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday.
As for their eldest, James, Viscount Severn, has reportedly received his father’s title, making him the new Earl of Wessex.
However, the royal couple’s youngest child, Lady Louise Windsor, will be the only member of the family not to have a title change, as per the outlet.
Meanwhile, Friday’s announcement notes, as well, that “the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.”
Elsewhere in the announcement, it is said that Prince Edward will hold the Duke of Edinburgh title in his lifetime.
As for who will hold the title after him, the Daily Mail stated in a recent report that the title is non-hereditary, noting that it will revert to the Crown again when he passes.
But, it shared in the same piece that it understands the title will most likely be given to one of the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton when they are older, although confirmations regarding the matter have yet to emerge.