Who Will Inherit Prince Philip's Title Following His Death?
Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, died on Friday morning. He was 99 years old at the time of his death (via CNN). The palace confirmed his passing with an official statement posted to social media. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss," the statement read.
Philip's death comes just a few weeks after he was released from a month-long hospital stint. During his hospitalization, The Duke was said to have been treated for an infection and also underwent surgery on his heart. The funeral will reportedly take place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, which was said to be his wish. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the public are being asked not to gather to honor Philip at this time. While there are many details to still be sorted out following the prince's death, the question of who will inherit his title as The Duke of Edinburgh seems to already be figured out.
Who will be the new Duke of Edinburgh?
While Prince Philip's death does nothing to change the line of succession for the throne, his royal title as the Duke of Edinburgh will be transferred to another member of his family (via Cosmopolitan). The title was bestowed upon him the day he married Elizabeth in November 1947 before she was crowned Queen. According to Town & Country, the title would typically be passed on to the person next in line to the throne, his son Prince Charles. However, Charles already holds the title of Duke of Cornwall. In addition, the couple's middle son, Prince Andrew, is already the Duke of York. However, their youngest son, Prince Edward is currently the Earl of Wessex. Following Philip's death, it's believed that Queen Elizabeth will pass the title to Edward, making him the new Duke of Edinburgh.
The Telegraph previously reported that Edward declined the title of Duke of Cambridge in the past, a title now held by Prince William. It's unclear if he declined the offer in hopes of getting Philip's title one day. However, it appears that Prince Andrew will soon carry on his father's name in more ways than one. Once Andrew becomes a Duke, it will give all three of Queen Elizabeth's sons the same royal title until Charles becomes King of England.