Prince Edward’s Title and the Future of the Dukedom of Edinburgh

In a surprising turn of events, Prince Edward was not bestowed with the title of Duke on his wedding day in 1999, but rather became an earl.

This deviation from tradition left many royal commentators astounded.

Typically, male children of the sovereign are granted a dukedom upon their marriage, resulting in their wives being referred to as duchesses.

However, Prince Edward's wife, Sophie, instead became the Countess of Wessex.

As the youngest of Queen Elizabeth's children, Prince Edward is automatically known as His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, by birth.

The additional titles he receives are attached to this designation.

The title of earl holds a lower rank than duke, prince, and marquess (although marquess is never used as a royal title).

Prince Edward reportedly chose the title of Earl of Wessex due to its association with one of his favorite films, “Shakespeare in Love,” which featured a character holding the same title.

It is worth noting that Prince Edward and Sophie could have received no title at all, similar to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

In that case, Sophie would have been referred to as Her Royal Highness, Princess Edward, or simply Princess Edward.

However, the decision to grant Prince Edward an earldom still leaves a lingering question: why was he not made a duke?

Official sources state that Prince Edward will eventually inherit the title of Duke of Edinburgh upon the death of his father, Prince Philip.

This is said to be in order to continue Prince Philip's work.

However, the succession to titles laws make this inheritance indirect and subject to certain circumstances.

It ultimately relies on Prince Philip's passing, unlike the direct succession of the crown to the next in line.

By default, the title of Duke of Edinburgh will pass to Prince Charles when Prince Philip dies.

If Prince Charles is king at that time, the title will merge with the crown.

If he is not king, the Queen will have the authority to reissue the title.

Complicating matters further, even if Prince Charles is on the throne, he is not obligated to bestow the title upon Prince Edward.

Similarly, the present monarch, Queen Elizabeth, has the freedom to decide the fate of the title.

It could potentially be given to another member of the royal family.

Despite these complexities, it is believed that the promise of making Prince Edward the Duke of Edinburgh will be upheld.

This would also result in a change of titles for his son, James, who would become the Earl of Wessex instead of Viscount Severn.

Lady Louise's title would remain unchanged, while Sophie's title would become Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Edinburgh.