Prince Philip's titles passed to Prince Charles following his death

Prince Philip's title of Duke of Edinburgh is to pass to his son the Prince of Wales, according to the College of Arms.

In a release sent out detailing some of the funeral arrangements for Philip, who died on 9 April at the age of 99, his title of the Duke of Edinburgh will pass to his son Prince Charles, who is the Prince of Wales.

The College of Arms statement said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was granted the style and title of Royal Highness on 19 November 1947; on the next day, 20 November, he was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, of Greenwich in the County of London.

"These peerages are hereditary and on the death of His Royal Highness have passed to his eldest son, HRH The Prince of Wales. In the event of the Prince of Wales or any subsequent holder of these titles succeeding to the Crown, these titles and all others held will merge with the Crown.

"His Royal Highness was made a Prince of the United Kingdom by Letters Patent of the present Queen dated 22 February 1957. A declaration of the same date communicated Her Majesty’s will and pleasure that her husband be known as His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness’s style and titles will be declared at his funeral by Garter Principal King of Arms, in accordance with custom."

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However it's understood the title will not remain with Charles forever.

Another change will happen when the Queen dies, as Prince Edward, her youngest son, will become the Duke of Edinburgh.

Edward and his wife Sophie are known as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, titles which were bestowed on them as a wedding gift from the Queen.

At the time of their marriage in 1999, the Palace said that Prince Philip and Prince Charles had agreed Edward would inherit the title, but on the death of both Philip and the Queen.

A title held by someone who becomes the monarch then merges with the Crown so technically ceases to exist.

It can then be recreated for someone else.

The College of Arms is a royal body which looks after heraldry in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It's involved in the organisation of royal funerals, led and organised by the Garter King of Arms.

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Edward and Sophie are the only son and daughter-in-law of the Queen and Philip who are known as earl and countess rather than duke and duchess, though neither of Anne's husbands have had royal titles.

Prince Charles and Camilla are the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, while Prince Andrew was made the Duke of York and his former wife Sarah Ferguson is still the Duchess of York, though not an HRH anymore.

When Edward becomes the Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie will become the Duchess of Edinburgh.

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