Will Prince Edward (Duke of Edinburgh) Receive His Expected Title?

 

CREDIT: MT Hurson/Harrisons

Prince Charles has inherited Prince Philip's royal title, ever since his passing in April. Now it seems that Prince Charles is considering whether or not to pass it on to his brother Prince Edward.

Once Prince Charles becomes King, this title will become one with the Crown. It then becomes the new monarch's decision whether it be passed onto Prince Edward, another member of the family, or hold it for future need. 

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It has been thought for years that the title would automatically be handed to Prince Edward. A statement made by Buckingham Palace in 1999, the same year Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones, stated that the two would become the Earl and Countess of Wessex. "The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales have also agreed that the Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by the Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown." 

One source close to Prince Charles said, "It is up to him what happens to the title. It will not go to Edward.

Another source stated, "Edinburgh won't go to [the Wessexes] as far as the prince is concerned." 

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A spokesperson for Prince Charles has said, "All stories of this nature and speculation and no final decisions have been taken. It would be inappropriate and disrespectful to the Queen to comment on matters of accession and we will be maintaining our long-standing policy of not doing so."

Buckingham Palace has yet to comment.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, have always been close to the Queen, and have been defending Prince Philip's Duke of Edinburgh Award. Edward has been serving as a trustee of the youth organisation. 

The couple have been more prominent family members since Prince Philip's passing, and since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped away from their duties.

The two have been in countless interviews recently reminiscing on special moments, Sophie recalling a visit made by Prince Philip to the couple just days after their engagement. "We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, 'Right. I'd like it very much if you would consider that."

Prince Edward has stated that the title should have gone to his brother Prince Andrew, but he was already given the title of Duke of York on his wedding day by the Queen.

"It's a very bittersweet role to take on because the only way the title can come to me is after both my parents have actually passed away. It has to go back to the Crown first. My father was very keen that the title should continue, but he didn't quite move quickly enough with Andrew, so it was us who he eventually had the conversation with. It was a lovely idea; a lovely thought."

So will Prince Charles deny Prince Edward the title? Who knows? It seems like we will just have to wait and see.