Prince Edward granted Duke of Edinburgh title

Congratulations to Jesus alumnus His Royal Highness, Prince Edward (1983) who has been named the new Duke of Edinburgh.

The title was granted by King Charles III to mark Prince Edward's 59th birthday and will be held by the prince for his lifetime.

It was previously held by his late father, Prince Phillip for more than 70 years. The former Duke of Edinburgh was given the title on the morning of his wedding to then Princess Elizabeth in 1947, who was Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.

Prince Edward's wife Sophie, becomes Duchess of Edinburgh and the prince's former title of Earl of Wessex will now pass to his son, Viscount Severn, 15.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "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.

"The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness's lifetime.

"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 read History at Jesus College between 1983 and 1986. He was created Earl of Wessex in 1999, on his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones. In 2019, on his 55th birthday, Queen Elizabeth II granted The Earl of Wessex the additional title of Earl of Forfar.