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.
-
Hugh Grant Says His 'Notting Hill' Character is "Despicable""I just think, 'Why doesn't my character have any balls?'"
-
Rihanna Out-Rihannas Herself in a Statement Fur Coat and Polka Dot DressWhen it comes to fashion, the singer and entrepreneur is simply competing with herself.
-
Selena Gomez Dresses Down Her Platform Prada Loafers With a Classic Blazer and JeansThe 'Only Murders in the Building' star dressed to impress during a pizza dinner date with her sister.
-
Queen Camilla Has Helped King Charles "Loosen Up," But He Appears "Tense" Without Her"He was quite a nervous man... Camilla has been a catalyst for change."
-
Denzel Washington Says He "Makes His Own Rules" When Told to Meet King Charles at 'Gladiator II' Premiere"I didn't know if I was supposed to grab you or not."
-
Princess Diana's Shocking 37th Birthday Present for Prince Charles Backfired on 'The Crown'—Here's What Really HappenedThe book 'Dancing With Diana' sets the record straight.
-
King Charles Is "Much Happier" After Taking The Throne, Royal Friend ClaimsCharles in charge, indeed.
-
Elvis Presley Never Met Queen Elizabeth, But He Once Captivated a Trio of European PrincessesThe King enjoyed a glamorous royal run-in.
-
Prince William Recognizes an Actress Who Once Played His Grandmother With Major HonorA TV queen meets the future King.
-
A Slice of This Royal's Decades-Old Wedding Cake Just Made History and Sold for a Mouth-Watering SumLet's hope they don't eat it.
-
Queen Elizabeth Turned Down the Nobel Peace Prize: "Thank You, But No Thank You"A true humble Queen.
