King Charles has faced criticism for allegedly insulting the royal family’s unsung heroes by bestowing them with second-class titles, according to a prominent royal commentator.

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Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were recently granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

However, it is the nature of these titles that has caused controversy.

Instead of being hereditary, Prince Edward’s Dukedom of Edinburgh is a life peerage.

This means that upon his death, the title will revert back to the main branch of the royal family, rather than passing on to his son James, the Earl of Wessex.

Royal commentator Richard Eden has praised the significant contributions made by Edward and Sophie throughout the year, referring to them as his unsung royal heroes.

He highlights their commitment to quiet public service, which is in line with the traditions embodied by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

In contrast, Eden criticizes Harry and Meghan for allegedly using their royal titles for personal gain, particularly in the United States where they have amassed considerable wealth.

Expressing disappointment in King Charles’ decision, Eden argues that converting the Dukedom of Edinburgh into a life peerage was an insult.

He believes that the hereditary nature of the title should have been preserved, as it had been in the past.

It is worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had promised their younger son that he would receive this title.

The royal family officially announced Edward and Sophie’s new titles in March 2023.

The statement explained that Prince Edward was granted the Dukedom of Edinburgh on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

However, it specified that the title would only be held for his lifetime, deviating from the traditional hereditary nature of the ducal title.

Historically, the Dukedom of Edinburgh has been created four times for members of the royal family.

The first recipient was Prince Frederick, the eldest son of King George II, in 1726.

Then, in 1764, Prince William, brother of King George III, held the title as part of the joint title, the Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh.

In 1866, Queen Victoria’s second son, Prince Alfred, became the third royal to hold this prestigious title.

Finally, King Charles’ father, Prince Philip, was made Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.