Sophie Wessex was once offered the Royal title later given to Kate Middleton but her husband Edward stepped in to refuse it.
The Queen’syoungest son, Edward, 58, and his wife Sophie shared a strong bond with the monarch before Her Majesty’s deathon 8 September.
The Royal couple have been married since 1999 and it was announced that they would become The Earl and Countess of Wessex following their wedding before the big day.
The title of Earl rather than Duke – which was given to his elder brothers – was a surprise to the public, but it was at Edward’s request to take on the role. The titles weren't in use at the time and hadn’t been since the 11th Century.
The Mirror reports that the Queen had actually offered Edward the title of the Duke of Cambridge and his wife-to-be Sophie, 57, the title of the Duchess of Cambridge – but her youngest son refused.
The titles were later given to Prince William and Kate Middleton when they married in 2011.
The publication reports that Edward asked the Queen to be named after a character called Lord Wessex in his favourite film, Shakespeare in Love.
In 2010, a royal insider told the Telegraph in 2010 why Edward chose that name, explaining: “He liked the sound of it and asked the Queen if he could have that instead."
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When the Queen’s youngest son’s title was announced, it was said that the Royal Family intended for Edward to become the Duke of Edinburgh upon both the death of his father and accession of elder brother, however, whether or not this will go ahead is said to be questioned recently.
The title of Duke of Edinburgh was given to King Charles following the death of Prince Philip but now that Charles is King, the title is now free to be given to another Royal. The monarch will be the one to decide who may receive it.
OK! has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Prince Edward spoke out earlier this on how the Royal Family have been "overwhelmed by tide of emotion" after his mother’s death.
Edward shared a statement earlier this week where he spoke of the royal family being “overwhelmed” by the nation’s “tide of emotion”.
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He said: “As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the nation, her realms and the Commonwealth. While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell.
“We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us.”
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