King Charles has “insulted” the Royal Family’s “unsung heroes” by giving them second-class titles, according to a royal commentator.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh earlier this year.
Charles and Edward’s parents Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip promised their younger son that he would receive the titles.
The King honoured their promise but Edward’s Dukedom of Edinburgh is a life peerage rather than the hereditary title it had previously been.
This means that Prince Edward’s title will not pass to his son James, the Earl of Wessex and will instead return to the main branch of the Royal Family upon his death.
Royal commentator Richard Eden hailed the impact Edward and Sophie have made this year and labelled them his “unsung royal heroes of the year”.
He told the Mail: “While Harry and Meghan have used their royal titles for personal gain, helping them make a fortune in the United States of America, Edward and Sophie have continued the tradition of quiet public service embodied by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.”
He added: “It was, however, a shame that the King turned the Dukedom of Edinburgh into a life peerage rather than the hereditary title it had previously been. In my opinion, this was an insult.”
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh earlier this year.
PA
In March 2023, the Royal Family announced Edward and Sophie’s new titles.
The statement read: “His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon 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 Dukedom has previously been created four times for members of the Royal Family.
King Charles and Prince Edward’s father Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
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Prince Frederick, eldest son of King George II became the first Duke of Edinburgh in 1726.
Prince William, brother of King George III, held the title as part of the joint title, The Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh in 1764.
Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria became the third royal to hold the title in 1866.
King Charles and Prince Edward’s father Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
