Prince William, Harry cousin turns down royal title at 18

Prince William, Harry cousin refuses his royal titles

By The News Digital
December 20, 2025
Prince William, Harry cousin turns down royal title at 18
Prince William, Harry cousin turns down royal title at 18

Prince William and Prince Harry's cousin James, Earl of Wessex has reportedly turned down his royal title.

After turning 18, James has chosen not to use the titles of Prince and His Royal Highness.

James is the son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. He is 16th in line to the British throne.

Although James is supposed to adopt the style of Prince and HRH upon becoming an adult, royal sources has decided against using the title.

Royal commentator Richard Eden told Daily Mail, "Prince Edward and Sophie's son, James, turned 18 yesterday, but he won't be celebrating by following the example of his cousins."

On the other hand, James' mother Sophie, who is sister-in-law of King Charles told the Sunday Times previously, "We try to bring them up with the understanding that they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence, we made the decision not to use HRH titles."

"They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but it’s highly unlikely," Duchess of Edinburgh added.

Besides the children of Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, who are kids of Prince Edward and Sophie, Prince William and Prince Harry are also first cousins to Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who are kids of Princess Anne. Zara and Peter also doesn't use the titles of Princess or Prince.