Endearing Edinburghs EDWARD & SOPHIE'S DREAM NEW LIFE

The couple's promotion proves you can be welcomed back into The Firm - even after scandal

- Judy Kean

It was a long time coming. But for the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, finally gaining titles that have special meaning to them has been worth the wait.

The couple was promised the titles by the Queen when they married in 1999 – once she and her husband Prince Philip, the then Duke of Edinburgh, were no longer around, of course.

It was expected Edward would be given the dukedom six months ago, after the Queen’s death. But when there was no announcement from the King – who’d officially inherited the title himself after Philip’s death in 2021 because he’s the eldest son – it seemed the pair were being denied the promotion.

However, Charles honoured the wishes of his parents by handing over the titles on Edward’s 59th birthday on March 10, and Edward and Sophie, 58, couldn’t hide their delight when they carried out their first official duties as the duke and duchess in, appropriately, Edinburgh.

Edward’s voice became hoarse with excitement as he referred to his wife as the Duchess of Edinburgh in public for the first time as they visited the Scottish capital’s City Chambers.

In a speech, he said, “Thank you very much indeed for welcoming us to Edinburgh today on, indeed, a very special and slightly overwhelming day.”