TL;DR
The Duke of Edinburgh title passed to Prince Edward, the King's younger brother, on his 59th birthday in March 2023. The title was held previously by his father Prince Philip from 1947 until 2021. Sophie became Duchess of Edinburgh at the same time.
The Duke of Edinburgh title passed to Prince Edward, the King's younger brother, on his 59th birthday on 10 March 2023. The title had previously been held by Prince Philip from his marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 until his death in 2021. Sophie became Duchess of Edinburgh at the same time.
How the title was transferred
The Duke of Edinburgh is a hereditary title in the peerage of the United Kingdom, created in 1947. It can be granted to a senior member of the royal family by the sovereign.
Queen Elizabeth II granted the title to Prince Philip on his marriage. After his death in 2021, the title returned to the Crown until King Charles bestowed it on Prince Edward in March 2023.
Prince Edward's working schedule
Prince Edward continues the engagements he previously undertook as the Earl of Wessex, including patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The Award scheme remains the most prominent of his patronages.
Engagements include opening new buildings, attending charity events and supporting the King's work in the Commonwealth. Prince Edward represented the King at the 2022 Queen's funeral state ceremonies in addition to his own engagements.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, founded by Prince Philip in 1956, runs across more than 130 countries and territories. Participants complete bronze, silver and gold awards through volunteering, physical activity, skills development and an expedition.
The scheme remains active in UK schools and youth organisations. Awards are presented at Buckingham Palace by Prince Edward in a series of investitures throughout the year.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duchess of Edinburgh undertakes engagements covering women's rights, sexual violence in conflict, education and disability sport. She represents the Royal Family on visits to areas affected by armed conflict, including Iraq and South Sudan.
The Duchess holds patronages with more than 60 organisations covering health, sport and education. The patronage list is published on royal.uk under her biographical page.
Future title arrangements
The Duke of Edinburgh title is currently held for life by Prince Edward. The title was originally suggested to revert to the Crown on Edward's death, but the formal hereditary status means the eventual succession to the title falls to Edward's son, James, Earl of Wessex, in the line of succession.
The decision on whether to make the title heritable in practice will be a matter for the sovereign at the time. The Royal Household does not normally comment on future arrangements in detail.
Key facts
- Title passed to Prince Edward on 10 March 2023.
- Held previously by Prince Philip from 1947 to 2021.
- Sophie became Duchess of Edinburgh at the same time.
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme founded in 1956.
- Operates in more than 130 countries and territories.
FAQ
When did the Duke of Edinburgh title pass to Prince Edward?
On 10 March 2023, Prince Edward's 59th birthday. The title was bestowed by his older brother King Charles after returning to the Crown on the death of Prince Philip in 2021.
What patronages does Prince Edward hold?
More than 70 patronages, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. The full patronage list is published at royal.uk under his biographical page.
What does the Duke of Edinburgh's Award involve?
Participants complete bronze, silver and gold awards through volunteering, physical activity, skills development and an expedition. The scheme runs in more than 130 countries and territories.
Will the Duchess of Edinburgh undertake new patronages?
Patronage decisions are made by the Royal Household over time. The Duchess's current focus areas include women's rights, sexual violence in conflict, education and disability sport.
