Why a special royal change could be coming for Sophie Wessex’s son

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 19 September 2020

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Prince Edward’s son James could undergo an important royal status change in the coming years.

James, Viscount Severn, could be the next Earl of Wessex
Prince Edward is likely to one day inherit his father’s Duke of Edinburgh title and then his son could have his royal status changed
It follows royal news that Duchess Catherine faces huge pressure as she's hailed a 'royal saviour'

Prince Edward and Countess Sophie’s son, James, could become the next Earl of Wessex when his father inherits the Duke of Edinburgh title.

James, 12, is currently Viscount Severn. And while his older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, 16, will never inherit a royal title, James could be in the running for a huge royal shift.

Prince Edward is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s sons and, as per tradition, was gifted a secondary royal title after his wedding to Sophie back in 1999.

While it’s usually tradition for sons and grandsons of the Queen to be made Dukes, Edward and Sophie became the Earl and Countess of Wessex, with the understanding that Edward will one day inherit his father’s Duke of Edinburgh title.

Which would have a knock-on effect on 12-year-old James, according to etiquette experts Debrett's.

"Viscount Severn is a subsidiary title of his father the Earl of Wessex and is therefore used as a courtesy title,” they explained.

"It may be assumed that he will succeed to the title Earl of Wessex as and when his father becomes Duke of Edinburgh."

And Viscount James is not the only one that could be affected by the title change, as Sophie is said to be making “subtle” changes ahead of becoming the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Gareth O’Rourke – director of fashion buying at CHO clothing – told Express.co.uk that her “elegant yet simple fashion sense” has evolved in recent times, which could be a sign of her paving her way into a bigger role within the family.

“She is known to be extremely hard working in her role to support the Queen and her involvement in various charity work,” Gareth explained.

“Her bold outfits could suggest her newly added responsibility within the Royal Family.

“It also suggests the importance of her appealing to a wider audience now that she is in line to become the Duchess of Edinburgh.”

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Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."