Breaking News:Prince Edward’s New Royal Title Speaks Volumes About His Future Amid King’s Cancer Battle

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WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Princess Anne, Princess Royal during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Thanks to his brother King Charles, Prince Edward’s title just got an upgrade. The Duke of Edinburgh has been stepping up in the wake of the monarch’s cancer battle, and it appears those efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him a special new distinction handed down by the king himself.

DELHI, INDIA – OCTOBER 04: HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward attend the morning swim session at the Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Complex during day one of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games on October 4, 2010 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Prince Edward has received a new title as a member of the prestigious Order of the Thistle. He showcased his regalia for the title for the first time during a public appearance on April 12, 2024, while attending the dedication for a new vessel in Leith, Scotland, per Us Weekly. The 60-year-old royal, who also serves as the Commodore in Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, donned his ceremonial military uniform adorned with a silver medal featuring a gold emblem, symbolizing his new membership in the Order of the Thistle.

He was appointed to the order in March 2024 by his older brother King Charles, in celebration of his 60th birthday. “On the occasion of The Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday tomorrow, His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to appoint His Royal Highness to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle,” the royal family shared in a statement via X on March 9, 2024.

The Order of the Thistle is an ancient and prestigious order of chivalry in Scotland. The order, which was established in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon someone in Scotland. The order consists of the sovereign and 16 knights and ladies, who are appointed by the sovereign to honor outstanding contributions to Scotland or to the monarch personally. Members of the Order of the Thistle are known for their service to the nation and the monarch.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are joined at Clarence House by their immediate family, HRH The Prince of Wales (L), HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal (above C) , HRH The Duke of York (TopL) and HRH The Earl of Wessex (TopR) on the occasion of a dinner hosted by HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall to celebrate the forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and The Duke, on Sunday November 18, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)

The news of Prince Edward’s title comes amid not only Charles’ battle with cancer but also as his nephew, Prince William, has taken a step back from royal duties while his wife, Kate Middleton, undergoes cancer treatment of her own. The Telegraph previously reported that Prince Edward is shaping up to be the royal family’s new “leading man” amidst these struggles. Ever since the king was diagnosed with cancer, Edward has reportedly taken up 297 royal engagements in 2023, the most taken by a royal family member right behind his brother Charles and sister, Princess Anne, per The Independent. Evidently, all of his hard work is being recognized.