Duchess Sophie left 'stunned' after Prince Philip's 11-word title request

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh once revealed that she was left "stunned" by the late Prince Philip's 11-word request for her husband, Prince Edward.

Philip held the title of Duke of Edinburgh before his death in April 2021 - a title that was then passed on to his youngest son after he died.

Speaking of the moment that Philip asked if Edward would take on the title after his death, Sophie revealed how she felt at the moment to the Telegraph.

She told the publication: "We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, 'Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that'."

Previously speaking to the BBC, Edward revealed that it was his father's "dream" for him to take on the title.

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."

As well as King Charles honouring his father's wishes by bestowing the title to his youngest brother, the monarch also granted his sister-in-law the title of Duchess of Edinburgh. Both of these occurred on March 10, 2023 - Edward's 59th birthday.

The title change also meant that Edward and Sophie's son, James became Earl of Wessex - a title previously held by Edward. King Charles didn't grant their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, a new title.

In the future, it's possible Prince Louis - the Prince and Princess of Wales's youngest child - could be bestowed the title of Duke of Edinburgh.