King Charles reveals who will become the new Duke of Edinburgh
- Publish Date
- Monday, 13 March 2023, 9:28AM
King Charles has announced his brother Prince Edward will become the new Duke of Edinburgh.
The 59-year-old royal - who was previously known as the Earl of Wessex - was given the title last held by his late father, Prince Philip on his birthday on Friday.
Edward's wife, Sophie, will become the Duchess of Edinburgh.
A statement released by Buckingham Palace said: "His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday.
“The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime. The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.
"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."
The Duke's new title means that the Earl of Wessex now goes to his 15-year-old son James, who previously held the title Viscount Severn.
The couple's daughter, 19-year-old Lady Louise Windsor, sees no difference to her title.
Edward’s new title will not pass to James upon his death and will revert to the Crown.
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