James Wessex made his second public appearance of the year, stepping out with the Royal Family for the Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
At 17 years old, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had last been seen at the Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on March 31.
James, Earl of Wessex on the Christmas Walk
James did not attend the June parade due to his GCSE exams, but on December 25 he walked alongside his older sister, Lady Louise, and his parents.
Leading the walk to the church were the King and Queen, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children. The Sandringham estate saw around 45 members of the Royal Family gather for the festive celebrations.
James, who was born on December 17, 2007, at Frimley Park Hospital, was the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Although he was eighth in line to the throne at birth, he now stands 15th in succession. Despite his high-profile lineage, he remains relatively unknown to the public.
In a sweet moment captured during the walk, James was seen proudly watching his sister Lady Louise converse with the Reverend Canon Dr. Paul Rhys Williams, who led the church service.
The siblings share a close bond and are often seen smiling and sharing jokes during public appearances.
James looked mature in his dark overcoat and tie, while Lady Louise wore a double-breasted coat, a white hat, and pale-colored heels.
Although he is younger, James inherited the title Earl of Wessex instead of his sister due to the primogeniture law, which passes titles to the oldest male child.
James’s title changed to Earl of Wessex in May 2023 when his father, Prince Edward, became the Duke of Edinburgh.
Neither James nor Lady Louise holds the ‘HRH’ title, a decision by their parents to give them more normal lives with the potential to pursue their own careers.