Inside James, Earl of Wessex's life in the royal family as he turns 17 - from 'military future' to supporting Prince William
James is the youngest child of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince EdwardJames, the Earl of Wessex, has celebrated his 17th birthday on Tuesday, December 17.
The youngest child of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, James has a rather low-key life within the monarchy.
Despite being the son of senior royals and a nephew of King Charles, James’ royal future may not include duties. Let’s take a look inside the Earl of Wessex’s future plans.
James, Earl of Wessex’s life within the royal family
James was born on December 17, 2007. He turned 17 in December 2024.
He is the youngest child of Edward and Sophie and the younger brother of the couple’s daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 21.
We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.
Prince Edward has had to miss James’ birthday this year due to oversea duties.
Both James and Louise have lived relatively normal lives despite being members of the royal family. Louise is currently studying at St Andrews University while James recently completed his GCSEs.
But what does the future hold for Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest grandchild?
When James gained royal title from Prince Edward
James was given his Earl of Wessex title in 2023, months after Charles became king.
The title was previously held by his father Edward. Prince Edward now holds his late father Prince Philip’s Duke of Edinburgh title.
The Duchess of Edinburgh previously discussed Louise and James’ futures within the royal family. She told The Times in 2020: “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.
“Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it’s highly unlikely.”
She also revealed how the family usually spend their weekends at the time. Sophie said: “They go to friends for sleepovers and parties. At weekends we do lots of dog walking and stay with friends. I guess not everyone’s grandparents live in a castle, but where you are going is not the important part, or who they are. When they are with the queen, she is their grandmother.”
James ‘could help’ Prince William in the future
Royal correspondent Danielle Stacey for HELLO! previously suggested that James “could choose to go down a military route like his cousins or carve out his own career”.
She added: “Edward previously had his own production company while Sophie ran a PR firm.
“Lady Louise and James could potentially support Prince William in future, and represent the monarchy at events, like the late queen’s cousins did, or have their own jobs and choose to support charities and organisations they share a close affinity with – like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.”
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