Politics
Prince Charles becomes the Duke of Edinburgh after Prince Philip dies aged 99 as heir inherits his father’s titles
PRINCE Charles has become the Duke of Edinburgh following Prince Philip’s death aged 99.
The heir to the throne today inherited his father’s title as the nation mourned the loss of the hardest working member of the Royal Family after seven decades of service.
Charles has become the Duke of Edinburgh following Prince Philip’s death aged 99[/caption]
The heir to the throne today inherited his father’s title[/caption]
The Queen has expressed her “deep sorrow” after her “beloved” husband the Duke of Edinburgh passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle.
Prince Philip was granted the title of Duke of Edinburgh on the day of his wedding to Queen Elizabeth on November 20 1947.
In keeping with royal tradition, the title of the Duke of Edinburgh has immediately been passed to his eldest son Prince Charles.
But the title will in fact be inherited by Philip’s youngest son Prince Edward on Charles’ eventual accession to the throne.
In 1999, Buckingham Palace announced that Edward would succeed his father in the Dukedom with the blessing of the Queen and Prince Philip.
It comes as..
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- Boris Johnson pays tribute to ‘extraordinary’ Prince Philip
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On Charles’ eventual accession to the throne, the title will merge with the crown – meaning the new King can grant Edward the title of Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Edward, who is currently the Earl of Wessex, has already taken a number of his father’s patronages.
He is a trustee of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and a patron of the Edinburgh International Festival.
It also means that Edward’s wife the Countess of Wessex will become the Duchess of Edinburgh – a title once held by the Queen.
The Royal Family announced the news at midday today[/caption]
In 1999, Buckingham Palace announced that Edward would succeed his father in the Dukedom (Pictured is Prince Edward on the day of his wedding to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999)[/caption]
According to convention, a dukedom is given to senior royals on the day of their wedding. This was the case with the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex.
Once Prince Charles becomes King, he will decide who inherits the Prince of Wales title – as it is not automatically passed on in the Royal Family.
In the past, the eldest sons of the monarch have been given the title – so Prince William would likely become the next Prince of Wales.
‘DEEP SORROW’
Prince Philip passed away two months and one day short of what would have been his 100th birthday.
BBC radio stations immediately interrupted broadcasts with the news of his death and played the national anthem shortly after in a sign of respect.
Announcing the news, the official Royal Family website was replaced with a single page and heartfelt tribute to the Duke.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute and said “he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also paid tribute this afternoon, saying “thank you for your service you’ll be greatly missed”.
A short note on their Archewell website, set against a dark background, says: “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021.”
It adds: “Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed.”
