The title of the Duke of Edinburgh will eventually be inherited by Prince Philip’s youngest son, according to reports.

Prince Philip died this morning aged 99, Buckingham Palace said.

He leaves behind the Queen as well as his four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

His death means the title "Duke of Edinburgh" is now vacant.

It is thought the title will be passed onto Prince Edward - as he is the only son who doesn't yet have a duke or duchess title.

The Argus: The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and three of their children Princess Anne, Prince Charles and baby Prince Andrew, on his father's knees on the lawns at Balmoral in 1960The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and three of their children Princess Anne, Prince Charles and baby Prince Andrew, on his father's knees on the lawns at Balmoral in 1960

Prince Charles is Duke of Cornwall and Prince Andrew is Duke of York but Prince Edward has the title of Earl of Wessex.

It is understood that Edward was previously offered the dukedom of Cambridge by the Queen when he got married.

But it's reported he turned it down so that he could be lined-up as the next Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Edward has always helped his father working on the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

Traditionally, senior Royals are granted dukedoms on their wedding day - as it was with the Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex.

But Edward, 57, was instead made the Earl of Wessex when he married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, which is two ranks lower than a dukedom.

Buckingham Palace announced at the time that Edward would eventually one day succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh.

Edward's wife the Countess of Wessex will eventually become the Duchess of Edinburgh - a courtesy title which was held by the Queen.

 

The Argus: The Duke of Edinburgh hosting the Duke of Edinburgh's Award gold award presentations in 2017The Duke of Edinburgh hosting the Duke of Edinburgh's Award gold award presentations in 2017

It is not yet clear when Edward will take the title but the decision will be up to the Queen.

Prince Philip was the third Duke of Edinburgh to be granted the title since it was first created in 1726.

The title was bestowed on the Duke on the day of his wedding to Princess Elizabeth in 1947, along with the titles Baron Greenwich, of Greenwich, and Earl of Merioneth.

Technically, the title returns to the Crown following Philip's death.

Prince Philip retired from his Royal duties on 2 August 2017, at the age of 96, having completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.

A statement from the Palace today said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."