Duchess title TUG OF WAR!

WHO GETS THE EDINBURGH HONOUR NEXT IS ALREADY RUFFLING FEATHERS 

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Prince Edward’s joy at having his father’s dukedom conferred upon him by King Charles for his 59th birthday was shortlived once it was revealed a shocking caveat had been placed on the precious gift!

With Edward’s wife Sophie also upgraded to a duchess, the Duke of Edinburgh has historically been a hereditary title.

Yet Buckingham Palace announced that it “will be held” by Prince Edward only for his lifetime. It will then revert back to the Crown to be redistributed, instead of passing onto either of his two children.

While Edward’s son James, 15, now takes on the Earl of Wessex title, his 19-yearold daughter Lady Louise’s status remains unchanged – a situation seen by many as “unjust” and “archaic”.

“[Louise] seems to be a very bright young lady with the potential to be a royal star so I think she would be a great asset,” royal expert Phil Dampier tells New Idea.

“It is unfair, of course, that she is older than her brother but beneath him in the line of succession. While James is now the Earl of Wessex, her status remains the same. The ancient primogeniture laws need to be changed to reflect that.”