Sophie Wessex could take on this new title after Prince Philip dies

published 1 May 2020

Sophie Wessex could take on a new royal title following Prince Philip's death.

Currently Countess of Wessex, Sophie could take on a higher ranking title when Prince Philip dies.
When they married, Sophie and the Queen's youngest son, Edward, became the Earl and Countess of Wessex - but this could change in the future.
This follows royal news that the Duchess of Cambridge's secret lockdown hobby has been revealed.

Sophie Wessex joined the Royal Family when she married Prince Edward back in 1999.

The Queen has traditionally presented dukedoms to her sons and grandsons as wedding gifts, however, Prince Edward was made an Earl instead.

The Queen is said to have offered Edward the dukedom of Cambridge on his wedding day, but he declined because of a character named Lord Wessex in Shakespeare in Love.

A courtier said, 'He liked the sound of it and asked the Queen if he could have that instead.'

What title will Sophie Wessex inherit?

It was then decided that Prince Edward will inherit his father Prince Philip’s Duke of Edinburgh title following his death.

This means that Sophie, Countess of Wessex will become Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Prince Edward’s Duke of Edinburgh title will likely also pass to his son, James Viscount Severn, 12, when he dies.

Royal dukedoms are the highest titles in the British Roll of the Peerage and the holders must be Princes of the Blood Royal.

An Earldom is two ranks lower than a Dukedom.

The Queen withholds the right give dukedoms to whoever she pleases and gave both her sons - Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall the titles on their wedding days.

And on grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry's wedding days, they became the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex respectively.

Prince Edward is currently 11th in line to the throne and will continue to be bumped down as younger royals higher up the line have children.

Her Majesty's eldest son, Prince Charles, is first in line to the throne. Prince William is second in line and then his children - Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince, Louis would be next.

Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.