Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, then the Earl and Countess of Wessex, welcomed the arrival of their son in late 2007. In a press release, the palace announced, "The names chosen by The Earl and Countess of Wessex for their son are James Alexander Philip Theo." In addition to those names, James was titled Viscount Severn, which the
BBC describes as a "courtesy title."
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the rise of King Charles III to the throne, a number of royal titles were shuffled around. In early 2023, Prince Edward and Sophie were made Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, a title last held by Prince Philip. "The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness's lifetime," the palace wrote.
This had an important side effect: James, Viscount Severn, inherited his father's previous title, and he is now known as James, Earl of Wessex. According to Hello!, the Earl of Wessex is a hereditary title, but the Duke of Edinburgh is not, and it must be created each time it is used. In other words, when Prince Edward dies, James won't become Duke of Edinburgh. Still, an earldom is no laughing matter, and the title is sure to increase the young royal's access to wealth and prestige as he grows up.
