King Charles III, 74, celebrated his brother Prince Edward‘s 59th birthday by giving him a new title.
Already the Earl of Wessex and Forfar, Edward was bestowed the title of Duke of Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace announced on the royal family’s website Friday, March 10.
‘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.’
This is coming two years since the death of Prince Philip, who held the title for almost six decades.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip was the previous Duke of Edinburgh.
As the website noted, he took on the role in 1947 when he married Her Majesty, who was then the Duchess of Edinburgh until she acceded the throne in 1952.
Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, has also been named the Duchess of Edinburgh.
The statement noted the couple are honored to continue the work of Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 followed by Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
The Earldom of Forfar will remain with the new Duke of Edinburgh for His Royal Highness’ lifetime.
Prince Edward was first given the Earl of Wessex title when he married his wife, Sophie Rhys-Jones, in 1999, and the Earl of Forfar title in 2019 when he turned 55.
