The King confers The Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward

Published

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.

Background

His Royal Highness was created Earl of Wessex in 1999, on the occasion of his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones.

In 2019, Queen Elizabeth II granted The Earl of Wessex the additional title of Earl of Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 55th birthday.

Find out more about the new Duke of Edinburgh

Find out more about the new Duchess of Edinburgh

The Dukedom of Edinburgh

The Dukedom has previously been created four times for Members of the Royal Family:

1726 - Prince Frederick, eldest son of King George II

1764 – Prince William, brother of King George III, as part of the joint title , The Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh

1866 – Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria

1947 – Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II

Related content

A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings

Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to...

21 November 2024

A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon

It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and...

15 November 2024
Press release 13 November 2024

Bishop of Norwich appointed Lord High Almoner

Read more

A message from The King to King Felipe VI of Spain regarding the ongoing floods in Valencia.

Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.

02 November 2024

His Majesty's remarks at the CHOGM dinner in Samoa

It remains a life-long aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth

25 October 2024

His Majesty’s speech to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Samoa

Together, we can expand opportunities across this family of nations to build shared prosperity and truly resilient economies.

25 October 2024

His Majesty’s remarks at the Community BBQ, Parramatta Park

It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav, or a Cab Sav and that is what I hope has been on display!

22 October 2024

His Majesty The King’s remarks to NSW Parliament House

I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.

20 October 2024

The King's speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament

We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland.

28 September 2024

The King's message to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden

We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation.

21 September 2024

A message from The King regarding the ongoing floods in Central Europe.

"My wife and I are profoundly shocked and saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe. Many people in the United...

19 September 2024
Press release 10 September 2024

The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa

Read more

A message from His Majesty The King congratulating ParalympicsGB and teams across the entire Commonwealth on their successes at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

As this wonderful summer of sport comes to a close in Paris, my wife joins me in sending our heartfelt congratulations to the Paralympian athletes from Great Britain and...

08 September 2024

A message of condolence from The King to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, following the death of Kiingi Tuheitia.

"My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia. I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades. He was deeply committed...

29 August 2024
News

The King visits Southport

20 August 2024
The King views floral tributes in Southport
News

The Royal Family and Sport

28 August 2024
The King meets the West Indies Cricket Team

A message from His Majesty The King congratulating Team GB and teams across the entire Commonwealth on their successes at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Your achievements, across so many disciplines, were forged from that invaluable combination of raw talent, true grit and hard toil over many years, burnished these past weeks...

11 August 2024

A speech by The King for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Senedd.

Over the last twenty-five years, the Senedd has become more than a symbol. It has become essential to the life of Wales. As we look back over the last quarter-century in the...

11 July 2024

The King's message to The England Football Team following their EURO2024 semi-final victory.

My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship - and in sending our very best wishes...

10 July 2024
News

Royal Week 2024

02 July 2024
The King during the Ceremony of the Keys
News

Japan State Visit

25 June 2024
King Charles III laughs with Emperor Naruhito

Remarks by The King at Presentation of New Colours, Number Nine Company, Second Battalion, The Irish Guards

Every guardsman standing here today is thus the Heir and Successor to the great legacy, the historic customs and fine traditions of your forebears within the Battalion.

10 June 2024

A speech by The King at the D-Day National Commemoration British Normandy Memorial, Ver-sur-Mer, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day

On the beaches of Normandy, in the seas beyond and in the skies overhead, our Armed Forces carried out their duty with a humbling sense of resolve and determination: qualities...

06 June 2024

A speech by The King at the UK's National Commemorative Event in Portsmouth to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings

The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity which we have heard today, and throughout our lives, cannot fail to move us, to inspire us, and to remind us of what we owe...

05 June 2024

A message from The King to the United Nations 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States

Your future is our future. Our islands, our oceans, our planet and, ultimately, all of us need bold and determined action.

28 May 2024
Press release 04 May 2024

Royal Patronages Review

Read more