
Prince Edward has received a pretty unique birthday gift as he turns 59 on March 10: His older brother the King has made him the new Duke of Edinburgh, according to their late parents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's wishes.
The official account for the Royal Family tweeted, "Wishing the new Duke of Edinburgh a very Happy Birthday today!
"The King has conferred the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon his brother, Prince Edward, on his 59th birthday."
Prince Philip was Duke of Edinburgh from his marriage in 1947 until his passing in 2021.
Since his wedding in 1999, Prince Edward was known as the Earl of Wessex, which is hilarious because he chose this title for the randomest reason: He just really loved Colin Firth's character in Shakespeare in Love.
While there were rumors that Princess Charlotte might be the one to inherit the Dukedom of Edinburgh instead, Prince Edward had long been expected to receive the title.
Meanwhile, Edward's wife Sophie (formerly the Countess of Wessex) is the new Duchess of Edinburgh, per Express. The last woman to hold this title was Princess Elizabeth, before she acceded to the throne in 1952.
Edward and Sophie's 15-year-old son James, formerly Viscount Severn, is the new Earl of Wessex, inheriting the title from his father.
His older sister Louise, 19, will remain known as Lady Louise Windsor.
Commenting on Prince Edward's new title on Twitter, royal reporter Rebecca English explained, "Unusually the hereditary title, previously held by Prince Philip, will only remain with him for his lifetime and on his death revert to the Crown."
That means that James won't become the new Duke of Edinburgh, unless he's created as such in the future.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
We Can’t Stop Laughing at Prince George Cringing Over Little Brother Prince Louis’ Antics at the Platinum Jubilee
Will we see more Louis hijinks at the Coronation?
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite Their Requests, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have “No Chance” of Appearing on the Buckingham Palace Balcony After King Charles’ Coronation, Royal Expert Says
The saga continues.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
If Prince Harry Does Attend the Coronation, He Will Avoid Bowing to Queen Consort Camilla
Plans are being drawn up to avoid the potentially awkward moment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the Coronation? What We Know at This Stage
Talk about a cliffhanger.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Joked He Might Have Worn "A Comedy Beard and a Hat" to Attend a Concert Incognito
OMG, imagine.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal Photographer Says Prince George Is "Like William," Prince Louis Is "Like Harry"
Tell me you don't see it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
By Iris Goldsztajn