The Surprising Film Inspiration Behind Edward’s Chosen Title Revealed
On the occasion of Prince Edward's 59th birthday, King Charles honoured his younger brother with the title of Duke of Edinburgh, despite Edward’s earlier decision to decline the honour. This long-anticipated title comes with an intriguing backstory.
Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, shared a close bond with the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96. The couple, who met at a charity event in London, announced their engagement in 1999. Before their wedding, the palace revealed that they would be styled as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, a title choice that surprised the public, as many expected Edward to receive a traditional Dukedom like his elder brothers.
When King Charles ascended the throne following Queen Elizabeth’s death, he finally conferred the Duke of Edinburgh title upon Edward, a title previously held by their father, Prince Philip. Thus, the Earl and Countess of Wessex became the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Edward’s preference for the title of Earl, while his brothers and nephews held Dukedoms, was not a slight from the Queen but a personal choice. Contrary to expectations, Edward declined the Dukedom of Cambridge, which was later given to Prince William, in favour of the Earldom of Wessex. His choice was inspired by a character named Lord Wessex from his favourite film, Shakespeare in Love.
A royal insider explained that Edward liked the sound of "Wessex" and requested it from the Queen. It was always intended that Edward would eventually become Duke of Edinburgh, a plan that came to fruition after the passing of their father and King Charles’s accession.
The title of Duchess of Edinburgh, last held by Queen Elizabeth II from her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 until her accession in 1952, has now been passed to Sophie. She once recalled being "slightly stunned" when Prince Philip expressed his wish for them to take on the title.
With King Charles now on the throne, the Dukedom of Edinburgh, which had merged with the Crown, was free to be bestowed again, and it fittingly went to Prince Edward, fulfilling the long-held family intention.
