Sophie becomes Duchess of Edinburgh as King fulfils Queen's promise to Prince Edward
Sophie has become the Duchess of Edinburgh as her husband Prince Edward has been granted the Duke of Edinburgh title by King Charles
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Sophie has become the Duchess of Edinburgh as her husband Prince Edward has been granted the Duke of Edinburgh title by King Charles.
Prince Edward was promised the Duke of Edinburgh title by the Queen when he married Sophie in 1999.
Today is Prince Edward's 59th birthday and the Royal Family announced his new title in a tweet to mark the occasion.
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."
Today is Prince Edward's 59th birthday
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King Charles and Prince Edward's parents Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II also previously held the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 on the morning of his wedding to Elizabeth.
Edward and Sophie's son James has also received a new title.
James will succeed his father Prince Edward as the Earl of Wessex.
The Royal Family said in a statement: "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.
"The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime.
"The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.
"The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential."
King Charles and Prince Edward's father Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
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The Dukedom has previously been created four times for members of the Royal Family.
Prince Frederick, eldest son of King George II became the first Duke of Edinburgh in 1726.
Prince William, brother of King George III, held the title as part of the joint title, The Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh in 1764.
Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria became the third royal to hold the title in 1866.
King Charles and Prince Edward's father Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.