Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward's roles discussed by Palmer

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Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex should become the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, according to a new poll of Express.co.uk readers. The couple were granted their Wessex earldom on their wedding day, 23 years ago. The Queen’s youngest son will appear alongside his wife and two children – Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn – at the Queen’s state funeral on Monday, September 19.

King Charles III could pass the Edinburgh dukedom to his youngest brother and sister-in-law.

Bestowing the couple with such titles would fulfil the late Duke of Edinburgh’s desire for the Wessexes to inherit his title.

As the oldest child, Charles inherited his father’s title following his death in April 2021.

However, since becoming King the title has reverted to the Crown, meaning it is available to be granted.

In a poll that ran from 10am on Thursday, September 15, to 1pm on Friday, September 16, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Should Charles hand Edward and Sophie Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh titles?”

In total, 12,766 readers responded with the overwhelming majority, 96 percent (12,263 people) answering “yes” Edward and Sophie should be awarded Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh titles.

A further four percent (463 people) said “no” Charles should not give them the titles, while just 40 people said they did not know either way.

In the hundreds of comments left below the accompanying article, readers shared clear support for Edward and Sophie.

One reader, username Nicky5am1964, said: “Absolutely! The Earl and Countess of Wessex have more than earned their stripes.”

Username grandie wrote: “Most definitely it should be granted to them, both are hard-working royals.”

Another, username CrystalPearl said: “Absolutely. I think they jolly well deserve it.”

Username zeva commented: “Definitely. Yes Yes Yes. No one deserves it better.”

And username itsonlyme44 said: “100 percent as Edward took over from his father’s duties for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

While username Pawspal said: “Absolutely! They are a credit to the Royal Family. With Princess Anne and the Prince and Princess of Wales supporting King Charles as well, the monarchy will be in good hands.”

On Edward and Sophie’s wedding day, June 19, 1999, Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing that Edward should succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh.

It read: “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.”

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In an interview with The Telegraph last year, Sophie recalled the moment Philip told her and Edward.

She said: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that.’”

Many other readers commented that Charles should uphold Philip’s wish, with username Ingalls writing: “Of course he should! It was what Prince Philip wanted.”

Likewise, username fruitshoot said: “It was their late father’s wish. Besides the Wessexes deserve it.”

Username Caribidus said: “The Earl and Countess of Wessex are deserving of the title of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. It was what the late Prince Philip wanted for his youngest child. 

“It is also clear, that Sophie and Edward are much-loved members of the Royal Family.”

Last June, Edward acknowledged that the title was not definite, telling the BBC: “It was fine in theory, ages ago when it was sort of a pipe dream of my father’s… and 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.”

The King may decide to keep the dukedom available for one of his grandsons – Prince George or Prince Louis – rather than award it to Edward.

If granted to the Wessexes, the hereditary title would be passed on to their son, James.

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