Prince Edward Granted Title of Duke of Edinburgh on His 59th Birthday

The youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward, was granted the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday.

This touching tribute was in honor of his father, the late Prince Philip, whose wishes were followed by his eldest son, King Charles, to grant the title to Prince Edward.

The new Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, and Prince Edward visited Edinburgh to mark one year since the city's formal response to the invasion of Ukraine.

During their visit, the couple greeted crowds on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and visited city chambers where they were introduced to Mirjana Melnik, a ten-year-old from Ukraine, who presented Sophie with a bunch of yellow and blue flowers, the color of her nation's flag.

Sophie looked elegant in a cream coat and matching scarf, with an elegant blue dress just visible beneath the hem.

Sophie, previously known as the Countess of Wessex, is known for her down-to-earth nature and was viewed by the late Queen as the safest pair of hands in the Royal Family.

The promotion to the rank of Duchess is a touching and lasting connection between the late Queen and her much-loved daughter-in-law Sophie.

The late monarch reportedly referred to Sophie as her favorite family member and closest confidante.

The title of Duke and Duchess is of a higher rank, elevating Prince Edward and Sophie's status to just below the monarch.

The Duchess is also referred to as Her Royal Highness.

The move is seen as keeping Prince Philip's memory alive, with experts noting that the Countess being in the spotlight is what Prince Philip would have wanted.

During the visit, Prince Edward expressed his gratitude for their warm welcome and acknowledged a special and slightly overwhelming day for himself and his wife.

Addressing the audience, he said, “Thank you very much indeed for welcoming us to Edinburgh today.

Indeed a very special and slightly overwhelming day for, now, my wife, the Duchess.”

As he addressed Sophie, his voice raised ever so slightly with excitement.

In response, the crowd laughed at his innocent, childlike glee and applauded as he beamed.

The visit to Edinburgh marks the first public appearance of the couple since the announcement of their promotion to the titles of Duke and Duchess.

Prince Edward and Sophie have been married for 24 years, and their promotion to the senior title is a touching tribute to their contribution to the royal family and their continued service to the nation.