- By Sean Coughlan
- Royal Correspondent
image source, Getty Images
Prince Edward has been named the new Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Edward has been named the new Duke of Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The title, given by King Charles III on the prince’s 59th birthday, will be held for his lifetime.
The previous Duke of Edinburgh was Prince Philip, who died in 2021, and who was given the title on the morning of his wedding to Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II.
The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, will be in Edinburgh later.
The pair are expected to attend an event in the Scottish capital on Friday to mark the first year of conflict in Ukraine.
Prince Edward becomes Duke of Edinburgh almost two years after the death of his father, Philip, who held the title for more than 70 years.
It was understood that Philip had wanted Edward, his youngest son, to assume the title, but the decision was left to King Charles.
It means Edward, 13th in line to the throne, will attend the coronation in May as a duke with a title synonymous with his late father.
With Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, no longer a “working royal”, there could be a more high-profile role for Edward, the king’s youngest brother.
Late last year, Parliament pushed through a law change to add Prince Edward and his sister Princess Anne to the “counselors of state” who can act on behalf of the king.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Duchy of Edinburgh on Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday.
“The title will be held by Prince Edward for the lifetime of His Royal Highness.
“The dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, following his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before she acceded to the throne in 1952.
“The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.”
The title remains associated with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, which has been running activities, training and challenges for young people since 1956.
The title of Earl of Wessex has now been given to Edward and Sophie’s son, the 15-year-old Viscount Severn.