Prince Edward Earl of Wessex

The Duke of Edinburgh wanted his youngest son the Earl of Wessex to inherit his title.

and of course it will depend on whether or not the Prince of Wales, when he becomes king, whether he’ll do that.” [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. Philip was the sixth person – including two dukes of Gloucester and Edinburgh – to bear the title the Duke of Edinburgh. Philip’s great-great-uncle, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was also a Duke of Edinburgh in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Philip’s desire for Edward to have the title was in recognition of the earl’s commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth scheme which is one of Philip’s greatest legacies. Now, on the death of the Queen, Charles has acceded to the throne and the title has merged with the crown and can be regranted anew. [Prince of Wales](/topic/prince-of-wales) have also agreed that the Prince Edward should be given the dukedom of Edinburgh in due course when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.” The palace said at the time: “The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and [Buckingham Palace](/topic/buckingham-palace) also announced Edward would eventually one day succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh – but not until after the death of both Philip and the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh wanted his youngest son the Earl of Wessex to inherit his title [Edinburgh](/topic/edinburgh) always wanted his youngest son the Earl of Wessex to inherit his title, but the decision now lies with Charles, [the new King](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/queen-elizabeth-ii-death-funeral-latest-news-b2163456.html).