King Charles could bestow the title that many expected Prince Edward would receive to his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, according to a report.
King Charles Could Favor Princess Charlotte Over Prince Edward?
The Duke of Edinburgh title is available after Prince Philip's passing. There are rumors that it will be given to Prince Edward.
However, King Charles may name his 7-year-old granddaughter Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Edinburgh one day, The Mail on Sunday reported.
"Discussions are underway, but the favored outcome for the King is that this title ought to go to Princess Charlotte," a source told The Mail on Sunday. "It would be a fitting way to remember the Queen — who, of course, had the title Duchess of Edinburgh — and a way for His Majesty to honor the line of succession."
Queen Elizabeth held the title and was known as the Duchess of Edinburgh before she became monarch, which was why her husband, Prince Philip, was known as the Duke of Edinburgh.
The outlet noted that giving the title to Princess Charlotte would align with His Majesty's vision of a slimmer modern monarchy.
Why Does Giving The Duchess Of Edinburgh Title To Princess Charlotte Make Sense?
Aside from a slimmer monarchy, an insider was convinced that styling Prince William and Kate Middleton's only daughter as the Duchess of Edinburgh could be "historically significant."
"Charlotte's position is historically significant because she is the first female member of the royal family whose place in the line of succession will not be surpassed by her younger brother," the source said.
"So it is constitutionally significant that Charlotte should be given such a corresponding title, because it is not beyond the realms of possibility that she will accede the throne if, for example, Prince George does not have children," the source added.
The Dukedom Of Edinburgh Was Initially Expected To Be Passed Down To Prince Edward
When Prince Philip passed away in April 2021, the title was returned to the crown.
The Queen and Prince Philip's third and youngest son were given the Earl and Countess of Wessex title after they tied the knot in 1999.
On their wedding day, Buckingham Palace indicated that the Edinburgh appellation was earmarked for them, The Times reported.
"The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have also agreed that Prince Edward should be given the dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title held now by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the crown," the palace said in a statement at the time, per the outlet.
According to People, giving Princess Charlotte the Duchess of Edinburgh title would theoretically keep the royal family more streamlined. Passing the Dukedom of Edinburgh to Prince Edward could mean that it would be passed down to his 14-year-old son, James, Viscount Severn.
Stay tuned for more news and updates about King Charles and Princess Charlotte.
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