Sophie Wessex in line to get impressive royal title that's a nod to the Queen

Sophie Wessex married into the Royal Family more than 20 years ago, but unlike her in-laws, Camilla and Kate, she was never made a duchess. That's because her husband, Edward, was bestowed the name Earl of Wessex from his mother, the Queen upon marriage.

However, the couple could now be set for changes to their Earl and Countess titles, as King Charles begins his reign and gives back his Duke of Edinburgh title. If that happens, Edward could be handed the title, making Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh - a courtesy title which was held by the Queen.

Could Edward and Sophie become the next Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh? (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

It's not been confirmed who will inherit the title (Getty Images)

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It was announced at the time of Edward and Sophie's wedding that he would one day succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh with the blessing of the late Prince Philip and the Queen.

Sophie once told the Telegraph of the moment she and Edward were told Philip would like them to take on the title.

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'."

The title of Duke of Edinburgh was previously held by Charles as he is the oldest child of Philip, but it reverted to the Crown when he became King, meaning he is free to hand it out again.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (Getty Images)

Sophie Wessex is currently a countess, not a duchess (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

However, it is not a given that Charles will automatically hand out the title to Edward and a report last year claimed the Prince of Wales might not give it to his youngest brother.

A source told the Sunday Times : "The prince is the Duke of Edinburgh as it stands, and it is up to him what happens to the title. It will not go to Edward."

However, a Clarence House spokesman said at the time: "We do not comment on matters related to the accession."

In a previous interview with the BBC, Edward noted how the final decision on the title remains with Charles.

He said: "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."

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