👑 King Charles’ Nephew Makes an Unexpected Move Over His Royal Title — The Hidden Reason Is Raising Eyebrows
King Charles’ nephew James, the Earl of Wessex, appears to have opted not to take on his royal title upon turning 18.
The son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh was recently informed he had earned the necessary grades from his A-level exams to attend the Royal Agricultural University in Gloucestershire.
James, the Earl of Wessex, appears to have opted not to use a royal title, following in the footsteps of sister Louise. Jordan Peck/Getty Images
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the good news, releasing the statement: “The Earl of Wessex will be going to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land and Property Management. He will head straight there without taking a year out.”
Their reference to James simply as the Earl of Wessex seemingly confirms his choice not to adopt a styling of His Royal Highness, following in the footsteps of his sister Lady Louise, 22.
Prince Edward and wife sophie with their children Lady Louise and James. Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Both Louise and James were given the option by their parents to decide if they wanted to take on the title when they turned 18.
Louise was referred to as simply Louise Mountbatten-Windsor when she graduated from the University of St Andrews, without the Her Royal Highness title.
Louise and James aren’t the only royal children not to take on a royal title. Princess Anne’s children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall also don’t use royal titles.
James will be the first member of the royal family to attend the Royal Agricultural University, but not the first alumnus with royal connections. Princess Anne’s first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, studied there, as did some European royals including Prince Gundakar of Liechtenstein and Ernst August von Hannover, the husband of Monaco’s Princess Caroline.
James will study Rural Land and Property Management, having spent the summer working as a farmhand on King Charles’ Sandringham estate. He has been spotted driving tractors and working with the property’s longtime workers.
Lady Louise and James have grown up under the royal spotlight. Getty
James was known as Viscount Severn until 2023, when his title was elevated to Earl of Wessex following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
He and his sister have become familiar faces at royal family-related events, including the monarch’s official birthday celebrations in London known as Trooping the Colour, Christmas at Sandringham and Easter at Windsor Castle.
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While the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have increased their official duties significantly since 2020, when Prince Harry and Meghan exited the royal family, their children will follow a very different path by having careers outside the monarchy.
The family has attended key royal events including the King’s coronation and Trooping the Colour. Getty
In 2020, Sophie told The Sunday Times she and Prince Edward had made the deliberate decision to avoid some parts of royal life. “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living,” Sophie said.
“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.”
