The King has conferred the Dukedom of Edinburgh on his younger brother, Prince Edward, as he celebrates his 59th birthday.
Prince Edward, formally known as the Earl of Wessex, is now the Duke of Edinburgh, with Sophie becoming the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Their son, James, is now the Earl of Wessex, having previously been referred to as Viscount Severn.
Edward will hold the title, previously held by his father, for the entirety of his lifetime.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “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.”
For more than 20 years, it was assumed that one day Prince Edward would assume the Dukedom of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip’s youngest son was lined up for the title by the man himself and the decision was shared on the day that Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in June 1999.
After Prince Philip’s death in April 2021, as his eldest son, the then Prince Charles inherited the Dukedom of Edinburgh.
The title became extinct when His Majesty ascended the throne on September 8 2022.
Only now, on the occasion of his 59th birthday, has The King chosen to name Edward as the new Duke of Edinburgh.
