The Earl Of Wessex has been named Royal Patron of the Edinburgh International Festival, taking over from The Queen, who stood down from the patronage in December last year.

The appointment comes as the festival celebrates its 70th anniversary, and Festival Director Fergus Linehan commented 'We are thrilled to welcome The Earl of Wessex as Patron of the International Festival. His Royal Highness has a great interest in performing arts and we look forward to welcoming him to see some of the world's greatest artists and ensembles here in Edinburgh'.