The King is said to be keen to make amends with his youngest brother, Edward, Earl of Wessex, 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 the Prince.

But the King 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 the King has had a change of heart and the title is likely to be created for Edward after all – possibly in March next year when he turns 60.

(snip)

One source told The Mail on Sunday that the King 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.'

Whereas there's no problem with the even more senior titles Kent and Gloucester passing to people even further down the line of succession.