IN March 2023, James Mountbatten-Windsor inherited the title Earl of Wessex from his father Prince Edward.
But who is he and why did he become Earl of Wessex?
Who is James, Earl of Wessex?
James is the late Queen and Prince Philip's youngest grandchild and is 15th in line to the throne.
He is the second child and only son of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Rhys Jones.
He lives at Bagshot Park in Surrey with his parents and older sister Lady Louise Windsor, but the family's official London residence is based at Buckingham Palace.
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The BBC reported at the time that his father described his newborn son as "very cute and very cuddly".
According to reports from Tatler, James was one of the Queen’s favourite grandchildren.
James was baptised in 2008 in the Private Chapel of Windsor Castle and his godparents are Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, Duncan Bullivant, Thomas Hill, Denise Poulton and Jeanye Irwin.
He currently attends Eagle House School - a prep school near Sandhurst in Berkshire.
Louise and James took part in their first overseas engagement in April 2015 when they accompanied their parents on a trip to South Africa.
And in 2011, aged seven, Louise was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince William and Kate.
James was known as Viscount Severn but his title changed to Earl of Wessex in March 2023.
Why was James Wessex called Viscount Severn and then the Earl of Wessex?
Since the title of his father Prince Edward changed from Earl of Wessex to Duke of Edinburgh on March 10, 2023, James inherited the old title of his father.
However, he will not be able to inherit the title Duke of Edinburgh, since the title can only be appointed by the ruling monarch.
As of March 2023, James is known as the Earl of Wessex.
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How old is James, Earl of Wessex?
As of July 2023, James is fifteen years old.
He was born by caesarean section on December 17, 2007, at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.
What medals does James, Earl of Wessex have?
James is eligible for the following three medals:
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
- King Charles III Coronation Medal
Why is James, Earl of Wessex not a prince?
Unlike some of the Queen's grandchildren, James does not hold the title of prince and is not addressed as HRH.
He was styled as the son of an Earl and went by James, Viscount Severn, before taking his father's title at the age of 15.
The Queen and the former Duke of Edinburgh had eight grandchildren - including Louise and James, Peter and Zara Phillips, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Princes William and Harry.
Yet not all were given hereditary titles.
Prince Edward, upon his wedding to Sophie, agreed with the Queen that their kids would be deemed as children of an Earl, instead of being called His or Her Royal Highness.
Princess Anne's children, Zara and Peter also don't have royal titles but Louise and James are the Queen’s first male-line descendants not to have one.