James, Earl of Wessex, born on 17 December 2007, is the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. His birth, which occurred through a caesarean section, was notably more straightforward than that of his older sister, Lady Louise. From the outset, James was referred to as Viscount Severn, a title honoring his mother's Welsh heritage. Despite being part of the British royal family, James has mostly remained out of the public eye, making only a few official appearances throughout his young life.
His first notable public appearance was at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant when he was merely four years old. Since then, James has slowly started to step into the spotlight, joining his family on various occasions, including a trip to South Africa. Over the past few years, both he and his sister, Lady Louise, have been seen more frequently in public engagements, indicating a gradual introduction to royal duties.
James’s title evolution has been an interesting aspect of his young life. Upon his birth, he was called Viscount Severn, but in 2023, when his parents were appointed the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, his title changed to James, Earl of Wessex. This shift in title reflects his lineage as the child of an Earl rather than following the traditional royal route. However, he does not yet have full claim to the title of Earl of Wessex; this will only become official upon the passing of his father.
The possibility remains that when James turns 18, he might choose to style himself as Prince James. This decision would mark a significant step in his royal journey, aligning him more closely with traditional royal titles. Nevertheless, unlike some royal traditions, James is unlikely to inherit the title of Duke of Edinburgh, as it is not an inherited title but rather one bestowed by the reigning monarch.
Prince Edward, James's father, was present at his birth and fondly described him as "like most babies, rather small, very cute and very cuddly." This endearing portrayal by Prince Edward highlights the personal side of royal life that is often overshadowed by public duties and formalities. As James continues to grow and mature, he is expected to take on more responsibilities within the royal family while maintaining a degree of privacy that has characterized his upbringing so far.
