Wonderful news! Edward and Sophie are so deserving. They work diligently and quietly in support of the crown.
I think giving Edward the Duke of Edinburgh title but specifying that it won't pass to James was a good compromise for the King. He fulfilled his parents' wish to honor his brother...
I think I posted the following in the wrong place the other day - sorry, I am new to the Royal Forums and don't have the hang of it yet. I meant for it to go here but accidentally put it under "Bagshot Park - Social Life and Lifestyle":
I happened upon this photographic print of the original...
James seems rather shy and introverted. I could see him choosing to marry at home (assuming his bride agreed). Bagshot Park supposedly has a gorgeous chapel, at least according to a soldier who lived there in the '80s when it was occupied by the Army Chaplains and was given the use of the chapel...
I happened upon this photographic print of the original floor plan of Bagshot Park as it was constructed for the Duke of Connaught in 1879. It has been renovated a number of times since then, including before the Wessexes moved into the house in 1999, so is undoubtedly considerably changed, but...