As he reaches adulthood, James, Earl of Wessex, can now decide whether to become HRH

James, Earl of Wessex, celebrates his 18th birthday today, a milestone that brings with it a unique choice: whether to adopt the style of His Royal Highness.

Formally known as the Earl of Wessex, James has held this courtesy title since his father, Prince Edward, was granted the Dukedom of Edinburgh in 2023. As the son of a monarch’s son, James has been entitled by 1917 Letters Patent to use the HRH style since birth.

However, Buckingham Palace announced at the time of his parents’ marriage in 1999 that their children would be publicly styled as the children of an earl. This was a matter of public presentation and upbringing, intended to give them a more private life, and did not remove his legal entitlement. Only the reigning monarch has the authority to formally alter or revoke HRH status.

In a 2020 interview, Sophie, the then Countess of Wessex, explained the reasoning behind this approach: “We try to bring them up with the understanding 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 I think it’s highly unlikely.”

The question of HRH status is governed by the 1917 Letters Patent, issued by King George V, which formally limits the number of people who may use the style of “Royal Highness.” The Letters Patent, however, do not prevent someone who is legally entitled from choosing not to use the style. In James’s case, the option is his alone.

The decision is as much personal as it is symbolic. James has been raised with a sense of normality, attending school at Radley College and enjoying a largely private life at Bagshot Park. His parents have emphasised discretion and a measured approach to royal duty, and there is little indication that James is expected to take on a full-time role within the monarchy.

Nonetheless, the choice carries wider implications. Should he decide to adopt the HRH style, James would be suddenly much more in the spotlight – much like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. If he declines, he retains the privacy and flexibility his parents have cultivated, while remaining a direct descendant of the sovereign and part of the line of succession.

Royal commentators note that the decision is also shaped by the broader strategy of King Charles III, who has sought to slim down the monarchy and focus public duties on a smaller, core group of working royals. In that context, James’s potential use of HRH would be weighed against the expectations and practicality of a modern royal household.

At 18, James now holds the freedom to determine the style by which he wishes to be known, balancing tradition, personal preference, and the legacy of a rapidly evolving monarchy. Whatever he chooses, it will signal the beginning of a new chapter in his life – one that blends royal heritage with adult autonomy.