King Charles Honors Brother Prince Edward with Royal Title Previously Held by Dad Prince Philip

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex have received new titles.

On Prince Edward‘s 59th birthday (Friday, March 10), the Palace announced that King Charles III has conferred the royal title created for their late father Prince Philip onto his younger brother.

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Prince Edward is now the Duke of Edinburgh, the title Prince Philip received in 1947.

“His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness’s 59th birthday,” Buckingham Palace shared in a statement. “The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness’s lifetime.”

Prince Edward‘s wife Sophie is now the Duchess of Edinburgh, the title that was last held by the late Queen Elizabeth.

“The Dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952,” the statement continued. “The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.”

Prince Edward‘s 15-year-old son James, Viscount Severn has now been given the title of Earl of Wessex, which was originally given to Prince Edward in 1999 when he married Sophie.

The Royal Family’s official website has been updated to reflect the new titles.

Prince Edward‘s new title comes after King Charles also gave Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s children royal titles.