Sophie, Countess of Wessex, aged 57 and married to Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, is anticipated to be bestowed with the title of Duchess of Edinburgh.
Known for her close bond with her late mother-in-law, Sophie has been seen attending various memorial services for the Queen, appearing solemn and tearful.
With the passing of the Queen, it is speculated that Prince Edward, aged 58, may inherit his father Prince Philip’s former title, the Duke of Edinburgh, leading to Sophie becoming a Duchess.
Originally, the title was passed on to Charles, who now reigns as King.
The decision now lies with the new King, according to sources.
Reportedly, Prince Philip had expressed his desire for Edward to inherit his title when the time came, a wish that King Charles III has agreed to honor.
Currently, Edward is the only one among the Queen’s sons without a dukedom.
While it is believed that Charles will fulfill his promise to his late father, Edward has previously voiced uncertainties.
In an interview with the BBC, he mentioned the challenges that come with the responsibility, hinting at doubts about whether Charles would follow through on the agreement.
Amidst the Queen’s memorial services, Edward and Sophie have been visible, with Sophie offering support to her sister-in-law Princess Annette during a poignant moment as they witnessed the Queen’s coffin being carried into the Palace of Hollerood House in Edinburgh.
The solemn occasion saw the Queen’s children and their spouses standing in silence as soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland bore the coffin to the Palace’s throne room.
The Queen’s coffin has since been moved to Buckingham Palace, where several senior royals awaited its arrival.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, alongside King Charles III, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sir Tim Lawrence, and Sophie Wessex, were present at the Palace.
Also in attendance were Princess Beatrice and Edomopeli Motsi, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, and Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, numerous members of the royal family have acquired new titles.
Prince Charles ascended to become King Charles III, with Camilla assuming the title of Queen Consort.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, potentially becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales in the future.
Even the young children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, three-year-old Archie and one-year-old Lilibet, have been designated as Prince and Princess with their grandfather’s coronation.
However, Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are unlikely to receive additional titles, having stepped back as senior royals in 2020.
In a previous interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed discussions within the royal family regarding Archie’s title, indicating that the family decided against granting him the HRH and Prince title during her pregnancy due to concerns over his skin color.
There is a possibility that King Charles may reconsider the titles granted to Archie and Lilibet.
Notably, other royals like Princess Anne and Prince Edward have chosen not to bestow titles upon their own children, showcasing a divergence in royal traditions.
