Sophie Wessex becomes the Duchess of Edinburgh
The former Countess of Wessex has become the new Duchess of Edinburgh.
Sophie Wessex (as she was known under her previous title) has become the Duchess of Edinburgh, now that her husband has been given the title of Duke of Edinburgh.
Sophie married Prince Edward in 1999 and the pair were formerly the Earl and Countess of Wessex. In honour of Prince Edward's 59th birthday, The King has officially made him the new Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Edward is The King's youngest brother, and this title is particularly poignant as it was held by their late father, Prince Philip.
This change also means that Prince Edward's previous title will now pass down to his 15-year-old son, James, Viscount Severn, who becomes the new Earl of Wessex.
According to The Telegraph, it was Prince Philip's wish that his title be passed to his youngest son, Prince Edward.
It was reported that Prince Philip approached Prince Edward and Sophie in the days following their engagement, and asked if his son would take on the title one day in the future.
“We sat there slightly stunned,” Sophie recalled in a 2021 interview. “He literally came straight in and said: 'Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that.'”
Prince Edward had added that it was “a bittersweet role to take on because the only way the title can come to me is after both my parents have actually passed away."
Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh passed away in April 2021, followed by The Queen in September 2022. The King's official coronation as the new monarch will take place this May.
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