Second-tier titles are an insult to heroic Edward and Sophie, says RICHARD EDEN. King Charles should give them an immediate UPGRADE and reward them for their vital work and loyalty
That’s the view of Richard Eden, who believes King Charles should give them an immediate upgrade so they can pass the dukedom down from generation to generation – a move that could also encourage their son James to join ‘The Firm’ close when the time is right.
‘It is sometimes easy to forget that the royal family is much more than just our monarch. And I’d like to shine a spotlight on two of my unsung royal heroes of the year: Prince Edward and Sophie,” Eden writes in the latest edition of his Palace Confidential newsletter.
Sophie and Edward are the unsung heroes of the royal family, says Richard Eden
However, the title of Duke of Edinburgh, bestowed by Edward’s older brother Charles, will only remain with the family during his lifetime. It is not hereditary
The late queen holds her fourth child, Prince Edward, in her arms on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Color in 1964. His father, the previous Duke of Edinburgh, looks down lovingly
The King, Queen, Duke and Duchess of Sussex at this year’s Trooping the Color. Edward and Sophie are now key figures in the running of the monarchy
Now that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have quit their royal duties, or been “forced” to step down, as Prince Harry ridiculously claimed in the Supreme Court, and Prince Andrew is no longer a “working royal,” Edward and Sophie are even “The company” has become even more important.
“They have worked as hard as ever this year, completing assignments across the country and abroad with little fanfare.
“While Harry and Meghan have used their royal titles for personal gain and helped them make a fortune in the United States of America, Edward and Sophie have continued the tradition of quiet public service epitomized by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
‘They have consciously chosen often difficult, old-fashioned causes to draw attention to, such as in Sophie’s case, helping women who have been victims of sexual violence.
‘Edward will meet hundreds, if not thousands, of young people who have achieved gold in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, of which he is a patron.
‘King Charles recognized the couple’s contribution to the success of the monarchy by announcing on Edward’s 59th birthday in March that he would succeed their father as Duke of Edinburgh. This was something that our late Queen and Prince Philip publicly made clear would happen at the time of Edward’s wedding to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with Prince Edward in 1876
King Charles III wears the Imperial State Crown and State Mantle for the State Opening of Parliament in November
Kate, Charlotte and William and accompanied by Sophie and Edward. The Waleses and Edinburghs now form a quartet supporting the work of King Charles
‘However, it was a shame that the King turned the Duchy of Edinburgh into a life peerage rather than the hereditary title it had previously been. In my opinion this was an insult.
‘What better way to celebrate Edward and Sophie’s importance than by upgrading the title to a hereditary title?
‘Perhaps that would be a good way to encourage their son, James, the Earl of Wessex, to join The Firm when the time comes? He could join his sister, Lady Louise Windsor, in providing vital support to their cousin Prince William.”
- For more expert royal commentary from Richard: click here