Prince Edward introduces Sophie as 'duchess' for the first time

Watch as new Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward is overwhelmed with excitement as he introduces his wife Sophie as a ‘duchess’ for the first time

• Father-of-two Prince Edward was officially given new title on his 59th birthday
• Read more: Sunflowers for Sophie! New Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh meet members of the Ukranian community on the Royal Mile 

Proud Prince Edward looked thrilled (and a little overwhelmed) to introduce his wife Sophie as a Duchess for the first time while visiting Edinburgh.

Edward, who was granted the title Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday yesterday, was speaking to a rousing audience when he seemed to lose his voice with excitement as he referred to his wife, now Duchess of Edinburgh.

As the new Duke celebrated his birthday, his eldest brother King Charles granted the new title in accordance with their late father Prince Philip’s wishes.

And the youngest of the late Queen Elizabeth’s children looked truly honoured to accept the new title on his birthday, as the couple greeted crowds on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and visited the City Chambers to mark one year since the city’s formal response to the invasion of Ukraine.

He told crowds the day had been ‘very special and slightly overwhelming’ for himself and his wife, ‘the duchess’. 

Addressing the audience, he said: ‘Thank you very much indeed for welcoming us to Edinburgh today on, indeed, a very special and slightly overwhelming day for – now – my wife, the duchess.’ 

As he addressed Sophie, 58, with her new title, his voice raised ever so slightly with excitement.

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

During their visit, the royal couple were introduced to Marianna Melnyk, aged 10, from the Ukrainian who wore traditional dress and presented Sophie with a bunch of yellow and blue flowers – the colours of her nation’s flag. 

Prince Edward, who celebrated his 59th birthday yesterday, made his first visit to Edinburgh as the new Duke of Edinburgh, inheriting the title from his late father Prince Philip. Addressing a crowd at the City Chambers to mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, the Duke said the day was ‘very special and slightly overwhelming’

The Duke of Edinburgh introduced his wife, Sophie, 57, as a duchess for the first time as she inherited the title Duchess of Edinburgh

The new Duchess of Edinburgh, who has been elevated from the Countess of Wessex, looked elegant in a cream coat and matching scarf for the outing, with an elegant blue dress just visible beneath the hem.

Sophie’s previous rank as Countess of Wessex, meant she was of an equal rank with her husband Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

This raise in royal status for Sophie, 58, is a touching tribute to the late Queen’s daughter-in-law who lovingly called her ‘mama’.

Married to Prince Edward for 24 years, she is well known for her down-to-earth nature and was viewed by the late Queen as The Firm’s safest pair of hands.

However their new titles of Duke and Duchess are of a higher rank, elevating them in status to just below the monarch.

Duchesses are also referred to as Her Royal Highness.

Meanwhile the title of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is one of the most senior in the Royal Family.

The move is a touching and lasting connection between the late Queen and her much-loved daughter-in-law, Sophie. 

She was noted as the late monarch’s ‘favourite’ family member and closest confidante.

Experts previously noted the Countess being in the spotlight is what Prince Philip ‘would have wanted’ and helped to ‘keep his memory alive.’

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