What We Know About Prince Edward's Son James, Viscount Severn

Prince Philip's funeral will be held on April 17, 2021, at St. George's Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Philip reportedly requested that no fuss be made over him after he died, according to the Independent, so he will not lie in state. However, his family will attend a service for him, although the coronavirus pandemic is playing a role in who will be in attendance. According to BBC News, Philip's immediate family, including his children and grandchildren, are expected to attend. Philip's great-grandchildren, however, will not. Prince Edward's son James, Viscount Severn, is expected to be the youngest royal family member at Philip's funeral; James was Philip's youngest grandson. 

James is the only son of Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and his wife, Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex. James' older sister, Lady Louise, is also slated to attend the funeral. The Earl and Countess of Wessex chose not to give their children the titles prince and princess because they wanted their children to grow up "as normally as possible," according to Town & Country. However, not much is known about James as his family does a good job of living life out of the spotlight. Keep reading to find out what we know about the 13-year-old grandson of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip — who is said to be "among the queen's favorites," according to Tatler. 

James, Viscount Severn was born on December 17, 2007. As of April 2021, he is 13th in the line of succession to the British throne. His family has a residence at Buckingham Palace in London, but they also have a home in Bagshot Park in Surrey, according to The Sun, which is located about 11 miles from Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth has been staying throughout the coronavirus pandemic. James attends Eagle House School, a prep school in Berkshire. However, according to Tatler, James will likely be changing schools in the fall as his current school only goes up to age 13.

James has only participated in a handful of royal engagements, and "doesn't make any official public appearances," according to Tatler. However, he has accompanied his parents on two separate occasions, both involving charity work. In April 2015, James and his sister Lady Louise traveled to South Africa for a visit to the Ubunye Foundation in Grahamstown. Their mother is a patron of the non-profit. In September 2020, James and his family volunteered for the Marine Conservation Society's Great British Beach Clean, Tatler reports. James is expected to take on a bit more responsibility as he gets older, according to The Sun.