The British Royal Family finds itself adapting to a leaner structure, as envisioned by King Charles III but with the monarch and the Princess of Wales taking a step back due to health concerns, the spotlight falls on the next generation of young royals to lend a hand.
Among them is James, Earl of Wessex, the 16-year-old son of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
What will be the role of this young royal? Expert Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, gave her view to OK!
The future role of James, Earl of Wessex in the British monarchy
As James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex, gears up for the pivotal GCSE exams, a rite of passage for most 16-year-olds, his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, have successfully shielded him from the glaring public eye, allowing him to enjoy a relatively normal upbringing.
Jennie Bond commends their efforts, noting, “Sophie and Edward have been incredibly successful about keeping their children out of the limelight… James even more so than Louise.”
Despite his royal lineage, James is unlikely to follow the traditional royal route of military service.
Bond predicts, “I think we can expect James to follow his ambitions and not necessarily take the traditional royal route of military service. He will probably try for University and then work out a career path.”
Drawing inspiration from his royal cousins, Peter Phillips, and Zara Tindall, who have forged their own paths, James is poised to embrace a sense of freedom that comes with not using his HRH title or inheriting the Dukedom of Edinburgh.
Jennie Bond further highlights the crucial role played by James’ parents, particularly his mother, Sophie, in shaping his grounded and well-adjusted persona.
“He has a huge advantage in two very switched-on parents – Sophie, in particular, is a terrific role model,” she remarks, applauding Sophie’s approach to fostering open communication and support during the complexities of teenage years.
While James is unlikely to assume a full-time working royal role, Bond envisions him taking his rightful place on official occasions, contributing to the slimmed-down monarchy in a measured capacity.
His parents’ guidance and the example set by his cousins will undoubtedly serve as a compass as he navigates his path, balancing his royal heritage with his personal ambitions.
As the British Royal Family adapts to a leaner structure, the role of James, Earl of Wessex, and his generation of young royals becomes increasingly pivotal.