Prince Edward designed Sophie Wessex’s ‘bold cross pendant’ at wedding

Prince Edward designed the necklace and earrings that wifeSophie wore on her wedding day.

Edward, who had been the Earl of Wessex for more than 20 years until he wasmade Duke of Edinburgh on Friday, met Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1987 when she was working at Capital Radio.

The pair did not start dating until 1993, however, and they eventually tied the knot six years later at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on 19 June, 1999.

When Edward and Sophie married, they were given the titles the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Prince Edward turned 59 on Friday – and receiving the title of Duke of Edinburgh would have been a welcome present from his older brother,King Charles.

To honour his birthday, jewellery experts at Steven Stone, the UK retailer, have taken a look at the necklace and matching earrings that Edward gifted to Sophie on their wedding day.

Zack Stone, a jewellery expert, toldExpress.co.uk: “The unsung hero of style, Sophie stunned on her wedding day and we couldn’t take our eyes off her necklace and earrings.

"Designed by Prince Edward himself, both pieces combine white and black pearls, with the necklace featuring a bold cross pendant."

The expert added: "Pearls have always had a connection with royalty and Kate Middleton, Princess Anne and Camilla are regularly seen sporting the radiant gemstone.”

Mr Stone went on to explain that the matching pieces were made by Asprey and Garrard, which added to their sentimental value, because they were also responsible for Sophie’s engagement ring.

He added that the three pieces together had a value of £105,000.

The King, 74, handed his late father’s title the Duke of Edinburgh to Edward to honour the wishes ofthe late Queen andPrince Philip.

Sophie, 58, is now the Duchess of Edinburgh and their 15-year-old son James, Viscount Severn, is the new Earl of Wessex.

The new duke and duchess will be in Edinburgh – their first outing with their new titles in the city which inspired their name – later on Friday at a reception to mark the first year of conflict in Ukraine.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon the Prince Edward, on the occasion of HRH’s 59th birthday today.

“The title will be held for HRH’s lifetime.

“The dukedom was last created for Prince Philip in 1947, upon his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, who held the title of Duchess of Edinburgh before acceding to the throne in 1952.

“The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are proud to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of promoting opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential."

The dukedom – which in the past has been hereditary – will not, however, pass down to the Edinburghs’ son James when Edward dies.

Viscount Severn will become the Earl of Wessex and Forfar when the title of The Duke of Edinburgh reverts to the Crown, the Palace said.

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