King Charles Grants William New Title While Duke of Edinburgh Hangs in the Balance

King Charles grants Prince William a new title

His Majesty King Charles III grants his eldest son and heir, Prince William, another title, the Earl of Chester, on February 13, 2023, as revealed in the documents from the Crown Office.

As the heir-apparent of his father, Prince William, upon his father's accession to the British throne, became the Duke of Cornwall in England and in Scotland the Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

King Charles grants Prince William a new title
The then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge at the Order of the Garter parade

He was made the Prince of Wales by his father upon the latter's Proclamation as the new British monarch in the Accession Council.

The Earldom of Chester was one of the most powerful earldoms during medieval England and since 1301 the title of Earl of Chester has been used by the heir-apparent to the British throne. And since the 14th century, became part of the title of the Prince of Wales.

unseen photos of Princess Diana and baby William will be auctioned
Prince Charles and baby William in September 1982. Credit: Willingham Auctions

King Charles III was made Earl of Chester and Prince of Wales in 1958 but his investiture was delayed a decade later until he became almost 21 years old on July 1, 1969 (incidentally the 8th birthday of his future wife, Lady Diana Spencer). 

What about the Duke of Edinburgh title?

But what about the title of the Duke of Edinburgh? King Charles III has not yet decided if he will grant this title to his youngest brother, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

Prince Philip and Prince Edward
Prince Philip and his youngest child, Prince Edward

The king's action is in contradiction to his parent's wishes. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen agreed in 1999 that Prince Philip's noble title will be inherited by their youngest child when the title reverts to the crown.

So far, no words from the palace regarding the King's decision. Previous reports said that it has something to do with the king's plan to streamline the monarchy to reduce expenses. 

Prince Edward and his brother King Charles III
The Earl of Wessex and his brother the Prince of Wales

Granting Prince Edward the title of Duke of Edinburgh has many considerations with regard to the future of the British monarchy. 

The title ranks higher among the titles of nobility in the British Peerage, and if the title will be granted to Prince Edward he will be the newest royal Duke.

So far there are only four living royal dukes (excluding Prince William whose official title is Prince of Wales) in the United Kingdom: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent.

The Earl of Wessex and his wife and children participates in coastal cleanup
The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise and Viscount Severn

Traditionally, royal dukes are the first to pay homage to the British monarch during the Coronation at Westminster Abbey. King Charles III's Coronation is fast approaching but we haven't heard if this tradition will still be part of the ceremony. 

The Earl of Wessex inherited the chairmanship of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award left by his father. He is also the trustee of the DoE International Award.

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