The 59th birthday of King Charles III’s brother, Prince Edward, is being celebrated in grand style.
On March 10, the 74-year-old British king bestowed the title of Duke of Edinburgh upon his youngest brother.
This was announced in a statement shared on the royal family’s website. It read;
“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 comes two years after the death of Prince Philip, who held the throne for over six decades. The previous Duke of Edinburgh was Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip. According to the website, he assumed the title in 1947 when he married Her Majesty, who served as Duchess of Edinburgh until she ascended to the queen in 1952.
Sophie, Prince Edward’s wife, has also been dubbed Duchess of Edinburgh. The couple are proud to carry on the work of Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, and Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022, according to the statement.
During the rest of His His Highness’ life, the Earldom of Forfar will be held by the new Duke of Edinburgh. Because the Dukedom of Edinburgh is the most senior Scottish title, HRH will use it.
