Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were known to have a very close relationship with the late Queen before her passing at 96 in 2022. The couple first met at a charity event at the Queen's Tennis Club in London, and six years later, on January 6, 1999, they announced their engagement. Before their nuptials, it was revealed that they would be known as The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
This announcement surprised many, as it was anticipated that the Queen's youngest son would receive a traditional Dukedom like his elder brothers. However, when King Charles ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, the longest reigning monarch, he granted his brother Edward their late father Prince Philip's title: the Duke of Edinburgh. Thus, The Earl and Countess of Wessex became known as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
But it may raise questions why Prince Edward held the title of Earl for such a long time, while his brothers and nephews were all dukes. In fact, Prince Edward was supposed to receive a Dukedom and he was actually the first in his position to become an Earl since the Tudor era, reports the Mirror . Contrary to popular belief, the Queen didn't sidestep royal protocols when she titled her son Edward as the Earl of Wessex, it was actually his request.
The choice mirrored his passion for the arts and theatre, and surprising many, it turned out that Edward had declined the Dukedom of Cambridge, a title later bestowed upon Prince William and Kate Middleton at their we.