Prince Edward, younger brother of King Charles III, will take over the title of Duke of Edinburgh held until his death in 2021 by Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
“His Majesty the King is pleased to confer the Duchy of Edinburgh on Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday,” the palace said in a statement.
Prince Edward, 13th in the line of succession to the British throne and the late Queen’s youngest child, after Charles, Anne and Andrew, plays a discreet but active role of representation for the royal family, in the United Kingdom but also abroad. the stranger.
On several occasions during his life, Prince Philip had said he wanted his title, which he had held since his marriage to Elizabeth in 1947, to go to his youngest son.
Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99.
Since 1999 and his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones, Edward had held the title of Earl of Wessex.
“The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to carry on the legacy of Prince Philip, to develop opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential,” Buckingham Palace said.
Before Prince Philip, the title had been borne by Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s second son.