SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

British RoyalsThe Edinburghs

Edward and Sophie’s visit to their new earldom

The Earl and Countess of Forfar will say hello to the town that’s given them their new title today. Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, will be in Forfar for a series of engagements, their first visit since the Queen gave her youngest son his new earldom in March 2019.

The couple have a packed day of engagements in the town with meetings with local business and organisations high up on the agenda. There will also be a lunch for Edward and Sophie at the Municipal Buildings in Forfar during this debut in their new earldom.

The royal visitors will also head to Strathmore Rugby Club at Inchmacoble Park in the town for an overview of the sport in the area. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, based at Orchardbank Business Park, will also welcome Edward and Sophie during their stay.

The Earl and Countess of Forfar are also set to spend time at the Pitstop Cafe in the town which offers a place to meet for young people across the area as well as support services. And their final engagement in the town is set to appeal to Prince Edward who has made no secret of his passion for the performing arts. He and Sophie will visit the Forfar Dramatic Society which has been trailing its royal visit for several weeks now.

Prince Edward was made Earl of Forfar by the Queen on March 10th 2019, his 55th birthday. He and Sophie, who have been Earl and Countess of Wessex since their wedding on June 19th 1999, will use their new titles whenever they are in Scotland.

The Earldom of Forfar was first created in 1661 and became extinct in 1715. Prince Edward has several high profile Scottish patronages including those of the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.

Royal Central will bring you coverage of Edward and Sophie’s first visit to Forfar throughout the day.

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.