In a recent announcement, King Charles has appointed James Viscount Severn, aged 15, as the next Earl of Wessex, following the passing of Prince Philip in 2021.

It is alleged that Prince Philip had desired for his son, Prince Edward, to assume the title of Duke of Edinburgh.

However, with Edward now taking on the position of Viscount Severn alongside his mother Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, James Viscount Severn has stepped up as the new Earl of Wessex.

It is important to note that James will not inherit the dukedom upon Edward’s passing, as it was previously hereditary.

Lady Louise, James’ sister, has also not received a new position within the family.

At just 15 years old, the new Lord of Wessex is known to prefer staying away from the public eye.

Earlier this year, he made a rare appearance during an emotional vigil to remember his grandmother, standing alongside the other eight royal grandchildren by the Queen’s coffin.

The children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, upon their marriage in 1999, were intentionally not granted princely titles.

This decision allowed them the freedom to lead their own lives separate from the royal family.

Instead, they were given courtesy titles as offspring of an Earl.

Hence, James is referred to as Viscount Severn.

The late Duke of Edinburgh had always favored his youngest son, Edward, to take on the throne.

However, it was ultimately King Charles who made the final decision.

Buckingham Palace has officially announced Charles’ appointment of his brother James to the position of Earl of Wessex.

Back in 1999, the palace declared that Prince Edward would not become Duke of Edinburgh until after the passing of Prince Philip and the Queen.

According to a recent statement, the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales have decided that Prince Edward should be bestowed the dukedom of Edinburgh in due course, once the current title held by Prince Philip reverts to the crown.

On the day of his 59th birthday, Buckingham Palace made the announcement of Edward’s appointment to the position.

The new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are pleased to continue Prince Philip’s legacy of supporting opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.

This royal upgrade follows another title change this week, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex started referring to their children, Archie and Lilibet, as Prince and Princess.

Today, the new Duke and Duchess will make their first public appearances in their new titles during their visit to Edinburgh to commemorate the first year of fighting in Ukraine.

It is worth mentioning that Charles received the dukedom of Edinburgh upon Philip’s passing, as per the letters patent given by King George VI in 1947.

However, he never utilized it.

After the Queen’s passing six months ago, Charles ascended to the throne, and since the title merged with the crown, it can now be bestowed upon anyone.

Nevertheless, the King seems to have had second thoughts about doing so, as he supports a more streamlined monarchy.

In a TV interview following Philip’s death, Edward hinted at this possibility, stating that it would depend on whether the Prince of Wales would fulfill that duty if he assumes the throne.

In other news, Meghan Markle was spotted carrying a £5,890 Chanel bag and indulging in a £105 Margarita during a lunch outing.

The Duchess of Sussex was seen sporting an exclusive, sold-out bag as she attended a lunch event in Hollywood.

Meghan dined at the Gratia’s Madre restaurant located on Melrose Boulevard in West Hollywood.

For the occasion, Meghan accessorized her outfit with a Max Mara coat, Valentino accessories, and shoes.

The highlight of her ensemble was the Chanel 19 Big Stitch bag from the 2021 collection.

Designed by Karl Lagerfeld as his final collection before his passing, the bag pays homage to its predecessor, the iconic 2.55 bag created by Mademoiselle Chanel in February 1955.