Duchess Sophie 'almost given Kate Middleton's title' – until Prince Edward stepped in
ok.co.ukThe Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and quite rightly so. Sophie Rhys-Jones and Prince Edward initially crossed paths at a charity function at the Queen's Tennis Club in London back in 1993, and by January 6, 1999, they were announcing their engagement to the world.
Before their big day, an announcement from the palace shared that the couple would be known as The Earl and Countess of Wessex.This news took royal fans by surprise because it was widely assumed that Edward, as the Queen's youngest son, would receive a Dukedom like his older siblings.
Interestingly, it later emerged that the late Queen did offer the title of Duke of Cambridge (which Prince William and Kate hold, alongside their Prince and Princess of Wales titles) to Edward and Sophie.
But, in a surprising twist, Edward declined. In choosing to become an Earl, Prince Edward broke tradition - becoming the first Royal in his position since the time of the Tudors.
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