Prince Edward ‘doted on’ by Prince Philip ‒ but Duke withdrew support of son’s gaffe

The Duke was married to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years and became the longest-serving consort in British history.

Philip was a crucial part of the royal household, and was said to have “doted on” his youngest son Prince Edward.

However, in 2001, Edward hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when his production company Ardent was caught filming at the University of St Andrews – after an agreement not to film at Prince William’s university was put in place.

Veteran royal editor Robert Jobson, in his 2006 book “William’s Princess” takes a look at the incident.

Mr Jobson wrote: “When the story emerged, Prince Charles understandably went ballistic.

However, the incident didn’t just sour relations with William and his father.

Mr Jobson continued: ”Even before the incident, Edward’s television programme had had little support from the Royal Family.

“Only the Duke of Edinburgh, who dotes on his youngest child, had agreed to be interviewed on camera as personal favour.

“But not even he could condone it now.”

It appeared Edward’s gaffe was severe enough for even his loving father to withdraw his backing.

Following the tragic passing of Philip, it is still uncertain when Edward will inherit the Duke of Edinburgh title.

In 1999, it was announced that Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, would become the Duke of Edinburgh after his father.

But it is unclear whether he will receive the title immediately after his father’s death or whether he will have to wait for Prince Charles to become King to be given it.

This is because Edward is the youngest of three sons, meaning he is unlikely to be given the title by direct inheritance.

Instead, it is thought that the title reverts to the Crown upon Philip’s death and will be newly reissued when Charles becomes King.

If he does become Duke of Edinburgh, the title would mean Edward’s wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex would then become the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Prince Edward’s Duke of Edinburgh title would then likely also pass to his son, James Viscount Severn, 12, when he dies.

Following the death of Philip, ‘Operation Forth Bridge’ is underway as the Royal Family mourns their loss.

The plan sets out all the steps that must be followed, from national mourning to a burial site.

A separate plan is made for the Queen – titled Operation Unicorn.

The Forth Bridge plans have been in place for many years, and were updated and reviewed regularly by Buckingham Palace staff in consultation with both the Queen and Philip.