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Will Princess Charlotte Become Duchess of Edinburgh?

When Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, he took the title Earl of Wessex, reportedly with the understanding that he would inherit the Duke of Edinburgh title after his father, Prince Philip, passed away. The title reverted back to Queen Elizabeth upon her husband's death, and now, King Charles is thought to be going in a different direction.

It is now rumored that Princess Charlotte, who is third in the line of succession, will receive the title.

"Discussions are under way, but the favoured outcome for the King is that this title ought to go to Princess Charlotte," a source told the Mail on Sunday. "It would be a fitting way to remember the Queen – who, of course, had the title Duchess of Edinburgh – and a way for His Majesty to honour the line of succession."

The title dates back to 1866, when Queen Victoria created the dukedom for her second son, Prince Alfred. When Prince Philip married then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947, King George VI gave Philip the title.

If Prince Edward becomes Duke of Edinburgh, as was previously suggested, Sophie, Countess of Wessex would become the Duchess of Edinburgh and the title would pass down to their children, James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise.

The source added to the Mail, "Charlotte’s position is historically significant because she is the first female member of the Royal Family whose place in the line of succession will not be surpassed by her younger brother... It shows you what the King is thinking. It’s about promoting those directly in line to the throne rather than those on the edges."

In response to the reporting, Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the title discussion.


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