According to the statement made yesterday from Buckingham Palace; ''His Majesty the King is pleased to bestow the Duchy of Edinburgh on the occasion of His Excellency's 59th birthday to Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar. This title will be retained by Prince Edward for the rest of His Majesty's lifetime.''
4 People Have Received This Title In History
The duchy title was given to Prince Philip upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, before ascending the throne in 1947. In the history of the country, 4 people have carried this title so far. George's eldest son, Prince Frederick, was crowned King George III's brother, Prince William, in 1764, Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria's second son, in 1866, and Queen II in 1947. It was given to Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip.