Prince Charles title Prince Edward
Source: Prince Charles photo courtesy of Arnaud Bodissou via Wikimedial; Queen Elizabeth photo courtesy of PolizeiBerlin via Wikimedia

Prince Charles has been waiting for decades to become King. Apparently, he has big plans for shaking up the monarchy when that happens. And at least one of those reported changes Prince Charles will make is to break a promise to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip that involves Prince Edward.

Charles’ parents wanted Prince Edward to take a greater role in the monarchy. It was both of their wishes their youngest child will be elevated from the Earl of Wessex to the Duke of Edinburgh when Charles ascends to the throne. After Prince Philip died, the Duke of Edinburgh title went to Prince Charles.

Here’s a rare photo of the brothers together.

When Prince Edward married in 1999 Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales have also agreed that Prince Edward should be given the Dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title held now by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.”

Prince Edward’s Increased Role 

Prince Edward has stepped up to help the Queen in the past year in a way that Prince Charles has not.

He has helped fill the void since his nephew, Prince Harry, resigned from his Royal duties. Prince Andrew’s embarrassing departure from public duties also has left Edward with more opportunities.

The Queen is quite pleased with Edward’s increased presence.

RELATED: Here’s What Queen Elizabeth Wants To Happen To The Royal Family After She Dies

The Earl of Wessex has increased his media presence and has even spoke publicly for the family since Prince Philip’s death.

The Duke of Edinburgh was of course Prince Philip’s title. It is a huge honor for Edward to be the next one.

But, apparently that might not be in the cards under a King Charles.

Prince Edward is so adept at public relations that he even was able to discuss the family’s rift with Harry in a manner that most people can relate to. He called it a “very sad situation.”

“It’s difficult for everyone but that’s families for you,” the Earl said. “We wish them the very best of luck. It’s a really hard decision.”

He added that each family member deals differently with the media’s obsession. He handles it by staying out of the way. 

BACKSTORY: Prince Edward Spills Tea About The Royal Rift With Prince Harry And Meghan Markle

Charles Plans To Slim Down The Monarchy

But, Prince Charles has plans to drastically slim down the monarchy. It has greatly changed over the years to adapt to modern times.

He wants to take that further by reducing the number of senior royals to only eight members. This is a big reduction. Currently, there are 22 senior working royals.

If this happens, Prince Edward is unlikely to ascend to the Duke of Edinburgh as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip wanted.

RELATED: Prince Charles Will Not Attend Princess Diana’s Statue Unveiling Due To ‘Regretful’ Memories

This might be a tremendous loss to the Royal Family. Prince Edward is viewed as being incredibly graceful. His wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, is a favorite of the public and the Queen.

They both have taken an increased role since Harry and Meghan abandoned royal life.

The couple’s children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn are close to their grandparents. Lady Louise and Prince Philip shared the love of carriage driving.


Despite that close relationship and the public’s appreciation for them, if Prince Charles gets his wish, Louise, James, Sophie, and Edward will not be senior royals.

All eyes are on Prince Charles now to see what his decision will be about Prince Edward and if he will break his promise to the Queen.

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