The Queen's youngest grandchild, James, Viscount Severn, celebrates his birthday today. However, many wonder why the young royal hasn't been awarded the title of Prince.
- The Queen's youngest grandchild James has turned 14 and looks nearly identical to a family member at the same age!
- Unlike some of his other male cousins, the young royal hasn't been given the title of Prince.
- In other royal news, Why the Queen forbids George and Charlotte from sitting with their parents at Christmas lunch
The Queen's youngest grandchild, Lady Louise's baby brother Viscount James, is celebrating his 14th birthday today.
His big day comes just over a month after his older sister Lady Louise celebrated her 18th birthday. Many say that Lady Louise Windsor became the 'royal family's secret weapon' after she made her TV debut, but not much is known about her younger sibling.
The teen's parents Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward are sure to be proud as punch of their only son, who was born on December 17, 2007, at Frimley Park Hospital. James made history when he was christened in 2008, as the first baby to wear a replica of the original royal christening gown, which dates back to 1841.
Since then, the very same gown has been worn by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Archie Harisson too. Although Prince Charles' sweet gesture that shows Lilibet’s christening could be imminent, it's unclear if she will wear the family christening gown too.
The young royal's full name contains a touching tribute to his grandfather Prince Philip—which seems appropriate as photos of Philip around the same age are nearly identical!
Why isn't James, Viscount Severn a prince?
Despite looking like one, you might wonder why is James Alexander Philip Theo a Viscount, and not a Prince? And why are some of Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren are Princes and Princesses, whereas others haven't got the title? Especially in James' case as, according to a Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917, it's his birthright.
The Letters Patent, according to HELLO!, limited royal titles with the exception that the monarch's grandchildren in the male line are entitled to be not only Prince or Princess but also HRH. This is why Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice enjoy their titles.
However, following the nuptials of Prince Edward and Sophie, the BBC reported that, "In a modernizing touch, the couple's children will not be given the style His or Her Royal Highness, 'but would have courtesy titles as sons or daughters of an earl.'" This is why Lady Louise Windsor will never be able to claim her birthright despite turning 18.
They are, however, entitled to take on HRH when they turn 18. Despite this, their mother Sophie previously told The Sunday Times that she and Prince Edward were leaving the decision to their children.
The Countess of Wessex said at the time, “We try to educate them with the understanding that they will most likely have to work for a living.
“That is why we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them after 18, but I think it is very unlikely.”
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