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The Edinburghs

The new Duke of Edinburgh is emotional as he speaks of his Duchess on special visit to city

By
10th March 2023

The new Duke of Edinburgh seemed almost overcome with emotion as he visited the city.

Prince Edward arrived in the Scottish capital just hours after it was announced that King Charles III had given him the title born for over seven decades by their father, Prince Philip.

And as he spoke at the City Chambers, he seemed to struggle for words before trying to suppress emotion in his voice as he mentioned his wife. Thanking everyone for their welcome, the new Duke said it was a ”a very special and a slightly overwhelming day for me and – now – my wife, and duchess.” His voice notably wobbled as he introduced Sophie as duchess to Edinburgh for the first time.

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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were in the city for a special reception honouring all those who have helped support refugees from Ukraine in the past year. The City of Edinburgh made its first formal response to the war in Ukraine on March 10th 2022 and, since then, the Welcome Hub has supported over 10,000 people. On March 10th 2023, there are over 3,000 Ukrainian refugees living and working in the city.

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The Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said ”I am hugely proud of the efforts by colleagues, partners, residents and businesses in welcoming Ukrainians making their new home here in Edinburgh over the past year. On this momentous day, when the Dukedom of Edinburgh has been conferred on Their Royal Highnesses, it is fantastic to have the Duke and Duchess in attendance…this visit is testament to the selfless and dedicated work that has gone on across the city…”

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The Duke and Duchess met some of those who have made Edinburgh their home as well as those who have supported them.

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The couple also did a walkabout in the city centre where large crowds had turned out to see them.

Prince Edward was made Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday. It fulfilled the wish of his parents, Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince Philip who had said they wanted him to take the title when it returned to the Crown, something which happened on the accession of King Charles III on September 8th 2022. The fourth creation of the Dukedom of Edinburgh is for the lifetime of Prince Edward, meaning the title won’t be inherited by his son, James, who is now the Earl of Wessex.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.