He prince edwardthe youngest of four children of the late Elizabeth II, will adopt the Duke of Edinburgh title held by his father, Prince Philip, until his death in April 2021, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

Contrary to rumors at the end of the year yes the king would give the title to his granddaughter CarlotaThe royal house made the announcement in what is believed to be part of a move by King Carlos to bestow all dignities ahead of the coronation ceremony on May 6.

“His Majesty the King (Charles III) 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 British royal house said in a statement on Friday, April 10. March.

On Thursday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming the change, which read: “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 title will be retained by Prince Edward for the lifetime of His Royal Highness,” the statement continued.

monarchical inheritance

Edward, thirteenth in line to the British throne, is the younger brother of the new King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.

Together with his wife Sophie Rhys-Jones, Countess of Wessex, he plays a modest but active role in representing the royal family, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

On several occasions during his life, Prince Philip has said he wants his title, which he has held since marrying Elizabeth in 1947, to pass to his youngest son. Felipe died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99.

“The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy, developing opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential,” Buckingham Palace said.

Before Philip, the title was held by Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria (1837-1901).