James, Earl of Wessex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Earl of Wessex
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James at the coronation of Charles III
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James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn
17 December 2007 Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, England
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| Family | House of Windsor |
James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex (born 17 December 2007), is a member of the British royal family. He is the son of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. James is the youngest nephew of King Charles III.
He was born when his grandmother, Elizabeth II, was Queen. At that time, he was 8th in line to the British throne. He is currently 15th in line. From his birth until 2023, he was known as Viscount Severn.
Contents
Early Life and Family
James was born on 17 December 2007. He was born at 4:20 PM GMT at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, England. His father, Prince Edward, is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His mother, Sophie, worked in public relations before marrying Prince Edward in 1999. James's full name, James Alexander Philip Theo, was announced a few days after his birth.
James was baptised on 19 April 2008. The ceremony took place in the private chapel at Windsor Castle. His godparents included family friends and his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Education Journey
James attended Eagle House School. This was a preparatory school near Sandhurst, Berkshire. He was a student there from 2011 to 2021. After that, he joined Radley College in Oxfordshire. Radley College is a private school for boys.
Royal Appearances
James has taken part in several official royal events. These appearances help him learn about his role in the royal family.
First Public Events
His first official appearance was in 2016. He rode in a carriage procession at Trooping the Colour. This is a special parade to celebrate the monarch's birthday. He also appeared at the 2022 Trooping the Colour.
In September 2020, James joined his parents. They helped with the Great British Beach Clean at Southsea Beach in Hampshire. This event supported the Marine Conservation Society.
Important Family Events
James attended the memorial service for his grandfather, Prince Philip. This service took place on 29 March 2022. He also attended the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving in June 2022. This service celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. He also went to the Platinum Party at the Palace.
On 17 September 2022, James joined his sister Louise. They stood vigil around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. This was during the official mourning period after her death. The Queen's coffin was lying in state at Westminster Hall. On 19 September, James attended the Queen's state funeral.
On 6 May 2023, James attended his uncle Charles III's coronation. The coronation took place at Westminster Abbey. He was there with the rest of the royal family. The next day, they attended the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
On 31 March 2024, James attended the Easter Mattins Service. This service was held at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was the only younger royal family member to attend with his parents.
Titles and Honours
How James's Title Changed
When James was born, he was given the courtesy title Viscount Severn. This title was chosen because of his mother's Welsh ancestry. It meant he was the heir apparent to his father's earldom.
According to old rules, James could have been called "Prince James." However, his parents decided their children would be styled as the children of an earl. This meant they would not use the "Prince" or "Princess" titles. His mother has said that James and his sister can choose to use royal titles when they turn 18.
In March 2023, his father became the Duke of Edinburgh. At this time, James became known by the courtesy title Earl of Wessex. This is now the main family title. James is expected to inherit his father's other titles in the future.
Medals and Recognition
James has received several medals:
6 February 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
6 February 2022: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
6 May 2023: King Charles III Coronation Medal
In June 2008, a lake in Manitoba, Canada, was named Lake James. This was to honour his father's visit to the province. James's sister, Louise, also had a lake named after her.
See also
In Spanish: Jacobo Mountbatten-Windsor para niños
- List of courtesy titles in the peerages of Britain and Ireland
