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Duke of Edinburgh
From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium
The Duke of Edinburgh is a dukedom, the highest rank in the British Peerage. The current Duke of Edinburgh is Prince Philip.
The title was first created in the 18th century, but merged back into the crown when its holder became king. It was revived several times, but became extinct on each occasion, as the holder died without male heirs.
As the present Duke of Edinburgh has three sons, the title will continue to exist for the foreseeable future. The title would normally pass to the Duke's eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, but in 1999 it was announced that the title will instead pass to the Earl of Wessex.
