Prince Edward and Sophie’s youngest son, James, has recently stepped into the spotlight as he inherits his father’s title, becoming known as the Earl of Wessex.
Despite being only 15 years old, James has made appearances at significant royal events, sparking curiosity among the public about the lesser-known member of the Royal Family.
Born on December 17, 2007, as James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor in Surrey, James is the 15th in line to the throne and the youngest grandson of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Initially described by his father as very sweet and kind, James was eighth in line to the throne at birth, outranking his older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, who is 19 years old.
In a shift towards gender equality in the line of succession, the Crown Act of 2013 ensures that sons no longer take precedence over daughters.
This means that James’s place in the line of succession remains ahead of Louise, unaffected by the birth of Zara Tindall’s third child, Lucas, last year.
James, reportedly one of the Queen’s favorite grandchildren, was baptized in a private chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2008.
His parents, Prince Edward and Sophie, made a conscious decision when they got married in 1999 to grant their children courtesy titles instead of princely ones, aligning with the late monarch’s approval.
The couple aimed to provide their children, including James and Louise, with as normal a life as possible, free from the constraints of royal titles.
This desire for privacy has shrouded James and Louise in mystery, with limited information available about their upbringing and daily lives.
Sophie has shared some insights into their family dynamics, revealing their love for activities like barbecuing, a skill at which Prince Edward excels.
The children, including James, have been raised with the understanding that they will likely need to work for a living, hence the decision not to use the HRH title until they reach the age of 18.
James’s education has been kept relatively private, with reports suggesting he attended two independent co-educational prep schools near their residence, Eagle House School and St George’s School.
However, as these schools cater to students under 13 years old, James may have transitioned to a different educational institution in recent years.
Amidst efforts to shield James and Louise from excessive public scrutiny, Sophie emphasized the importance of providing them with a normal upbringing.
She highlighted the significance of enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern world, including social media, while fostering open communication within the family.
Despite his young age, James has already made notable public appearances, including accompanying his family on trips abroad and participating in significant royal ceremonies.
As he prepares for his GCSE exams, royal observers are keen to see if the hidden royal will take on a more prominent role in the public engagements of the Royal Family in the future.