The Earl of Wessex, 57, is expected to inherit the title when the current holder of the title, his brother the Prince of Wales, becomes King. However, a source close to Charles told The Times, the future king is reluctant to hand over the title.

       The source said: “The prince is the Duke of Edinburgh as it stands, and it is up to him what happens to the title.

       “It will not go to Edward.”

       Prince Charles became the Duke of Edinburgh in April when his father, Prince Philip, tragically passed away.

       As it stands, Prince Edward is the only one of the Queen’s sons not to hold a dukedom.

       When Charles becomes King, the title will merge with the crown - at which point, Charles will have the option to once again bestow the title to another member of the Royal Family or leave the title vacant.

       Royal sources confirmed that as early as his wedding day over 20 years ago, the Earl of Wessex would inherit the title.

       Prince Philip was also reportedly keen on the decision.

       However, another source added: “Edinburgh won’t go to them [the Wessexes] as far as the prince [Charles] is concerned.”

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       Prince Edward spoke about becoming the next Duke of Edinburgh in a BBC interview last month.

       When asked about the prospect of taking on the role, Edward felt the honour would come with mixed emotions.

       “It’s a very bittersweet role to take on because the only way the title can come to me is after both my parents have actually passed away,” he said.

       “My father was very keen that the title should continue, but he didn’t quite move quickly enough with Andrew, so it was us who he eventually had the conversation with.

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       “It was a lovely idea; a lovely thought.”

       However, he added it was not confirmed that he would take on the role.

       He said: “Of course, it will depend on whether or not the Prince of Wales, when he becomes king, whether he’ll do that, so we’ll wait and see.”