Sophie, Countess of Wessex to be Named Duchess of Edinburgh as Sussexes Return Empty-Handed

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the British Royal Family has been making arrangements for the transition of titles and responsibilities.

Among the most notable changes is the anticipated appointment of Sophie, Countess of Wessex, as the new Duchess of Edinburgh.

The 57-year-old, who is married to Prince Edward, the late Queen's youngest son, is said to have shared a close relationship with her mother-in-law, even going as far as affectionately calling her mama.

According to reports from the Telegraph, Edward, currently known as the Earl of Wessex, may inherit his late father's title of the Duke of Edinburgh.

If this happens, Sophie will become the Duchess of Edinburgh, a title that Elizabeth II held from her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 until her accession to the throne in 1952.

Initially, the title of the Duke of Edinburgh was inherited by Prince Charles following the Queen's passing on September 8th.

However, Charles has now become King Charles III, and the decision to pass the title to his youngest brother, Edward, lies in his hands.

It has been reported that Prince Philip expressed his desire for Edward to inherit the title when the time came, with the King apparently agreeing to execute these wishes.

At present, Edward is the only one of the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh's three sons not to have a dukedom.

While Charles is believed to be keeping true to his word, Edward has previously expressed his doubts about inheriting the title.

He 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.

So yes, it will be quite a challenge taking that on.”

The Earl and Countess of Wessex have been spotted attending several services in memory of the Queen so far.

During one of these services, Sophie could be seen comforting her sister-in-law, Princess Anne.

This gentle moment took place as members of the Royal Family observed the Queen's coffin being carried into the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on September 11th.

The Queen's four children and their spouses silently stood and watched on as soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland carried Her Majesty's coffin to the Palace's throne room.

The Queen's coffin is now in London and was greeted by her children and grandchildren on September 13th as it arrived at her former residence in the capital, Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III and the Queen Consort were both there, alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In other news, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is said to be in a daunting environment while in the UK as she mingles with the Royal Family ahead of the Queen's funeral.

Despite lashing out at them repeatedly in the last few years, Meghan chose to stay back in the UK following the monarch's death and then also stepped out with Prince William and Kate Middleton, who she allegedly has a rift with.

Royal expert Sylvia Jeffreys praised the Duchess of Sussex for her actions.

Following on from Today Extra, the Australian morning show host said, “I can't help but think that would have been a really threatening environment for Harry and Meghan, or at least daunting.”

She then added, “I am starting to feel sick about the negativity around Harry and Meghan this time.”

Jeffreys also referenced the criticism being leveled against Prince Harry and Meghan over holding hands in public as they mourn the late monarch.

She said, “History is repeating in so many ways with Harry, whose grief as a child was owned by others.