Princess Charlotte could get an unexpected title that was once held by Queen Elizabeth II

According to reports, King Charles III may have disregarded his promise to his late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, concerning the succession of the title of Duke of Edinburgh.

A snub to Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie

According to Express,Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wished for his youngest son, Prince Edward, to inherit his title, and a then-Prince Charles reportedly agreed to make it happen.

Prince Edward took over the reigns of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and it was seen as preparation for being created Duke. It was even written on Prince Edward’s biography page on the official Royal website that he would become the next Duke of Edinburgh following the death of his parents.

However, things aren’t always that simple. Prince Edward previously told the BBC:

It was fine in theory, ages ago when it was sort of a pipe dream of my father’s. Of course, it will depend on whether or not the Prince of Wales, when he becomes king, whether he’ll do that, so we’ll wait and see.

As the Wessexes take more of the spotlight, Royal fans call for Sophie, Countess of Wessex, to be made Duchess of Edinburgh.

One person commenting on a Royal Family Instagram post of the couple:

This woman DESERVES the Coronet of a Duchess!! She and her husband have been a strong support to the crown and should receive the title promised to them by the late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth!

Read more: Prince Harry and his niece Princess Charlotte are similar in more ways than one

A historical moment

The allegation that Princess Charlotte could be made Duchess of Edinburgh comes after months of speculation as to why the King had yet to create his younger brother Duke of Edinburgh.

Princess Charlotte’sposition within the Royal Family is historically important as she is the first female member whose place in the line of succession was not affected by the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis.

Therefore, some believed that Princess Charlotte should be given a title corresponding to her place in the line of succession. The title of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is one of the most senior in the Royal Family and was previously held by Queen Elizabeth II before she ascended to the throne.

A source said:

Discussions are underway, but the favoured outcome for the King is that this title ought to go to Princess Charlotte.

The change of heart comes as part of the King’s plans to modernise and slim down the Royal Family. Indeed, it shows that the King wants to endorse ‘those directly in line to the throne rather than those on the edges’.

On royal watcher and enthusiast commented on Twitter:

She will be a Duchess in her own right and not by marriage to a Duke, which is a change that’s definitely needed in the 21st century.

Sources used:

- The Daily Mail: Princess Charlotte to be Duchess of Edinburgh: King Charles wants to keep the role for the third in line to throne in a 'fitting' tribute to The Queen - who also held the title - and to 'honour the line of succession'

- Express.co.uk: ‘Make Sophie a Duchess!’ Countess emerges as favourite royal as fans find her relatable

Read more:

⋙ Here's every time Princess Charlotte reminded us of Lady Diana

⋙ Princess Charlotte’s net worth is $2.1 billion more than Prince George