‘U-turn’ on Edinburgh title for Edward

BRITAIN’S King Charles is said to be keen to make amends with his youngest brother, Edward, pictured, following claims that he was to be bypassed for the title of Duke of Edinburgh.

It had long been thought that the honour would go to Edward.

But Charles has yet to grant it – and well-placed sources said he had discussed whether it might go to Princess Charlotte when she was older.

Now, however, sources close to the family say Charles has had a change of heart and the title is likely to be created for Edward, pictured, after all – possibly in March next year when he turns 60.

Tension within the family rose when it appeared that Charles might give his late father’s title to his granddaughter, Prince William’s daughter Charlotte.

Charles and Edward are close, and the King is said to have relied on his advice as the threat of a US sex-abuse lawsuit hung over their brother Andrew.

A source close to Edward said: ‘It was a slap in the face, particularly when Edward has been such a help to Charles over the Andrew farrago.

‘Also because the Queen had promised him the title before she died and it was always believed by Edward and Sophie that, in time, the title would then be passed down to their son, Viscount Severn. ‘Now it does look like the tide is turning. Clearly the King has had time to reflect on the late Queen’s wishes.’

One source told The Mail on Sunday that Charles might ask for the title to revert to the Crown after Edward dies rather than being passed to his son.

An insider said: ‘The problem is you can have a situation where, in future, a senior title like Edinburgh, which is very important to the Union, is eventually held by someone far removed from the throne.’