King Charles hands Duke of Edinburgh key new title in Royal Family shake-up

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Prince Edward has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle (Image: Buckingham Palace via Getty Imag)
Prince Edward has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle (Image: Buckingham Palace via Getty Imag)

King Charles has handed his brother a title on his 60th birthday.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest honour. The King doesn't need advice from the Prime Minister to make these appointments.

Three other people have also been given the accolade at the same time: Professor Dame Sue Black, a famous anthropologist; Baroness Helena Kennedy, a respected lawyer; and Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first black professor.

The appointments begin on today ahead of a special ceremony in the summer. There are traditionally 16 knights and ladies in the Order of the Thistle. The Queen, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Rothesay (as the Prince of Wales is known in Scotland) are also part of it.

Newly released photos show Edward wearing a red jumper under a dark buttoned waistcoat, smiling with his three dogs, Labrador Teal, cocker spaniel Mole and Labrador puppy Teasel.

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King Charles hands Duke of Edinburgh key new title in Royal Family shake-upPrince Edward turns 60 today (Getty Images)

The King's brother, who is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrates his birthday today. In a rare interview with a newspaper, Edward said that the monarchy plays a crucial role in "trying to bring people together".

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "Our role - being part of the monarchy - in trying to bring people together is as important as ever, if not more so today. I think we all wonder how we can reach out to those communities who perhaps don't always think that this, the monarchy, is something for them."

Earlier this week, the duke carried out a series of engagements with the Duchess of Edinburgh, ahead of his milestone birthday. The Earl of Wessex was gifted a special Leeds Rhinos rugby shirt with "HRH 60" on the back to mark his recent birthday.

To the young players present, he expressed his gratitude and quipped about his age. "Thanks a bunch. I really need to be reminded, he said.

At the end of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards, Sophie paid a heartfelt tribute to Edward, describing him as "the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and he is still my best friend" and expressing her pride in "the man he is".

Prince Charles gave Edward the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday. A few days later, Edward had his first solo event with this title at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the royal met people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Four years prior to that when he turned 55, Queen Elizabeth II gave him another title - Earl of Forfar.

Professor Black is known for her work studying the human body and helping to solve international crimes. Her research has helped identify people involved in major disasters.

Baroness Kennedy has been awarded 42 honorary degrees from universities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. These awards recognise her work on women's rights and increasing access to higher education. She has also received honours from the governments of France and Italy for her significant contributions to women's rights.

Sir Geoff is known for his innovative use of the scanning electron microscope in studying cereal grains, a technique he developed during his PhD research. He serves on the boards of various community organisations and has been awarded honorary degrees from several academic institutions. He has written books on race relations and cereal science and technology.

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The scaled-back working monarchy has faced mounting pressure, with several senior royals stepping back from public duties in recent months. Prince Charles, 75, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, while the Princess of Wales is recovering from abdominal surgery.

Harry Stedman

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