Who is James, Earl of Wessex – Queen Elizabeth’s youngest grandchild? Spotted over Easter, the low-key British royal is now 16, and as King Charles’ nephew inherited his father’s former title

Apr 6 , 2024

James, Queen Elizabeth’s youngest grandson, was said to be the late royal’s second favourite grandchild. Photo: Getty, WireImage

James made a rare public appearance at the royal family’s Easter celebration at Windsor Castle, on Sunday, March 31 – the young Earl hasn’t made a public appearance since Christmas

James, formerly known as Viscount Severn – named after Britain’s longest river – is 15th in line to the British crown, and became Earl of Wessex after his father was elevated to Duke of Edinburgh

If people were to name the late Queen Elizabeth’s eight grandkids, most would mention the most well-known royals: Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. But the public may not be too familiar with the queen’s youngest grandchild, James, Earl of Wessex, the 16-year-old son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh who prefers to stay under the radar.

James, Earl of Wessex made a rare public appearance at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Sunday in Windsor, England. Photo: Getty Images

James made a rare public appearance at the royal family’s Easter celebration at the Easter Matins service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Sunday.

The young Earl, who hasn’t been seen in public since the royal family’s Christmas celebrations last December, is 15th in line to the British crown. Previously holding the title Viscount Severn, he became Earl of Wessex after his father, Edward, became Duke of Edinburgh in 2023.

Now that he’s in his early teens, here are some things to know about the young up-and-coming British royal.

What are his royal ties?

Prince Edward and Sophie, now Duchess of Edinburgh, a few days after James was born. Photo: Getty Images

James (James Alexander Philip Theo) was born via caesarean section at Frimley Park Hospital on December 17, 2007. According to father Prince Edward, he was “very cute and cuddly” as a newborn, reported BBC.

James Viscount Severn, as he was then known, with his family during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Photo: Getty Images

At the time of his birth, he was eighth in line to the throne. The rank of his succession fell to 15th when his older cousins Prince William, Prince Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice had children of their own, reports Town & Country.

Why was he called Viscount Severn?

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. Photo: Getty Images