I thought Edward would be made Duke of Edinburgh as soon as Philip dies. But does both his parents have to be dead for him to be the new DofE?
I'm sure Princess Louise will be their only child. It was so difficult for Sophie even to have her.
I think new letters patent might come along giving Louise the right to be the 2nd Countess of Wessex. But probably not Duchess of Edinburgh (the 3rd).
Will Edward be called the 2nd Duke of Edinburgh? Or will it have to be a new creation not connected to the previous creation?
When Edward married, it was announced that upon the death of both his parents, he would be created DUKE OF EDINBURGH. Otherwise if Prince Philip died tomorrow (God forbid)... technically the Dukedom of Edinburgh, the Earldom of Merioneth and the Barony of Greenwich would be succeeded by his eldest son and heir - HRH The Prince of Wales, and thus when he becomes King - the titles revert to the Crown. If HM The Queen died - HRH The Prince of Wales would immediately succeed, and thus any titles he had or subsequently inherited, also revert to the Crown. Also - as the title is heavily associated with Philip, it also makes practical sense for both of them to die and create a "break".
It was decided that a new Letters Patent would be issued. HRH The Prince of Wales has apparently already agreed to a new creation. After all is it is befitting that Edward becomes a Royal Duke, and he has continued the work of his father with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. So as it would be a new creation, he would be the 1st Duke.
Its a shame that Edward & Sophie seem unlikely to have any other children. They look a loving family and Im sure they would really want more children, but not at the expense of The Countess' health.
The Viscount