New reports reveal that King Charles may not bestow the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh titles on his brother Prince Edward and wife Sophie as previously expected.
Instead, in a shock decision, royal insiders say the monarch is set to name his seven-year-old granddaughter Charlotte as the Duchess of Edinburgh in the near future.
When will Charles name Charlotte the duchess?
(Image: Getty)Woman’s Day’s royal insiders have long confirmed that Edward, 58, and Sophie, 57, who currently hold the titles of Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar, expected to inherit the titles but it appears Charles’ vision of a slimmer modern monarchy is well and truly here.
The move is set to be “in honour of the Queen”, who changed royal law to ensure her granddaughter remained in the line of succession after Prince George, nine.
Royal expert Richard Eden suggested the change of plans falls in line with the 74-year-old King’s new future for the royal family, as the ducal title would continue to pass on to Edward’s descendants until the line runs out, making a new royal household – something Charles does not want.
The move is said to honour Queen Elizabeth.
(Image: Getty)The Wessexes have been blindsided by the move, particularly given that the Queen promised the title upon their wedding.
Officials released a statement at the time that read, “The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have agreed that Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course when the title held now by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.”
“The Wessexes are shocked,” explains a source, who says the move was meant to be a nod to Edward and Sophie’s tireless work, especially Edward’s dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Insiders concede that the hard-working royals aren’t angry, but rather just sad by the snub, adding, “They can’t help but take it personally, given it flies in the face of what was agreed and feel there could be another way to honour Charlotte, who they love.”
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