The Duke of Edinburgh title will not pass to James leaving his long-term position within the institution undefined

James, Earl of Wessex, celebrates his 18th birthday today, marking a significant milestone for the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

His parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, worked hard to shield both their children from public scrutiny.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh made a conscious decision to raise their son away from the spotlight long before he was born.

Growing up at Bagshot Park in Surrey, situated just 11 miles from Windsor Castle, James experienced a childhood markedly different from many of his royal cousins.

James, Earl of Wessex, celebrates his 18th birthday today, marking a significant milestone for the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II.| GETTY

“What’s normal? They go to a regular school,” Sophie has explained. “They go to friends for sleepovers and parties. At weekends we do lots of dog walking and stay with friends.”

Born three decades after his eldest cousin Peter Phillips, James’s formative years centred on fishing trips in the countryside and ordinary school routines rather than balcony appearances.

Radley College has offered him a structured yet protected setting, free from expectations to perform publicly.

This approach allowed him to blend seamlessly among his peers, passing through daily life largely unrecognised.

Both James and Louise have the option to adopt HRH titles upon reaching adulthood, though Sophie indicated this was “highly unlikely” to happen.

The Duke of Edinburgh title will not pass to James leaving his long-term position within the institution undefined. | GETTY

Lady Louise has indeed chosen not to take up the style, validating her mother’s prediction.

“We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living,” Sophie explained. “Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles.”

Royal author Christopher Wilson has described her as a “dark-horse contender” and potentially the monarchy’s “secret weapon,” praising her as an articulate young woman capable of reinvigorating the institution.

Louise’s choice to study at the university so closely associated with William and Kate has fuelled speculation she could emerge as a significant public figure after graduation.

James’s reserved nature is viewed as an advantage, presenting William with a reliable and uncontroversial option for future support | GETTY

Some observers anticipate that when Prince William ascends to the throne, he may call upon his cousins, including both Mountbatten-Windsor siblings, to help shoulder royal responsibilities.

James’s reserved nature is viewed as an advantage, presenting William with a reliable and uncontroversial option for future support.

James and Lady Louise hold a unique place in royal history as the first grandchildren of the late Queen to bear the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, honouring their grandfather Prince Philip.

At birth, James stood eighth in the line of succession, though he has since dropped to 15th as his cousins William, Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie welcomed children of their own.