Why Prince Edward’s Children Do Not Hold the Titles of Prince or Princess
London – While the children of many senior royals carry the titles of Prince or Princess, the offspring of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, do not. Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, are styled without royal princely titles—a deliberate decision that has its roots in both tradition and personal choice.
The explanation dates back to 1917, when King George V issued a Letters Patent that strictly defined who could hold the titles of Prince and Princess. According to this decree, these titles were reserved for the children of the monarch, the male-line grandchildren of the monarch, and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. Under these rules, as male-line grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, Edward’s children technically have the right to be styled as Prince and Princess.
However, upon Edward’s marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, Queen Elizabeth II announced that their children would not use royal titles. Instead, they would be styled as children of an earl—Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn (now Earl of Wessex following his father’s elevation to Duke of Edinburgh).
At the time, Buckingham Palace released a statement explaining that the decision was made “in accordance with the wishes of Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex.” The move was intended to give the children a more normal upbringing, free from some of the pressures and scrutiny that often accompany full royal status.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has spoken openly about this decision in interviews. “We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living,” she once told The Sunday Times. She also confirmed that when Lady Louise and James reach adulthood, they may choose whether to adopt the titles to which they are entitled by birthright—but the expectation is that they will not.
Royal historians note that this approach reflects the monarchy’s evolving attitude toward titles and public roles. As the working royal family becomes smaller and more streamlined, non-working royals are less likely to carry princely titles unless they have specific duties to perform on behalf of the Crown.
Today, Lady Louise and James live largely outside the public spotlight. Lady Louise, who has gained praise for her equestrian skills, has been pursuing her studies, while James attends school. Both are expected to enjoy private lives without the formal obligations of full royal status.
In short, while Prince Edward’s children have a legal right to be Prince and Princess, their parents’ choice—and the Queen’s blessing—means they carry simpler titles, allowing them to live more like ordinary members of the aristocracy rather than full-time royals.