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Young James Viscount Severn Joins Royal Family in Emotional Vigil for Queen Elizabeth II
The youngest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, James Viscount Severn, made a rare public appearance on Saturday night as he stood solemnly alongside his family during a moving vigil for his late grandmother at Westminster Hall.
At just 14 years old, James displayed a level of maturity beyond his years as he joined his older sister Lady Louise Windsor, cousins Prince William and Prince Harry, and other members of the royal family in paying their respects to the beloved monarch.
Accompanied by his parents, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, James walked in formation with his relatives as they entered Westminster Hall and took their places beside Queen Elizabeth's coffin.
With his head bowed, James stood between his cousin Princess Eugenie and his uncle Peter Phillips, while tearful mourners filed past to offer their condolences.
His mother, Sophie, was visibly moved as she watched her children fulfill their duty during the emotional vigil.
The grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth arrived at Westminster just before 6pm to participate in a unique vigil honoring their late grandmother.
Throughout the approximately 10-minute ceremony, James remained composed and dignified, demonstrating a maturity that is remarkable considering his young age.
This public display of mourning is particularly significant for James, as his parents made the decision not to give him a prince title at birth and have shielded him from the royal spotlight.
According to a royal source, James and his cousins were eager to pay their respects to their grandmother, despite not having official royal titles.
The resemblance between James and a young Prince William was striking, with many observers noting the similarity between their appearances and the poise they displayed during the solemn occasion.
Twitter users praised James for his bravery and stoicism, drawing parallels to Prince William's own experience at Princess Diana's funeral.
During the ceremonial procession behind Queen Elizabeth's coffin, James, Prince William, and their cousins walked side by side with their parents.
Prince William reflected on the difficulty of the experience, comparing it to his mother's funeral, while speaking to mourners gathered outside Sandringham House.
The Queen's grandchildren, including James, attended a service at Westminster Hall following the procession, where Princess Eugenie was seen wiping away tears in one of the photographs.
Despite his young age, James has recently made several notable appearances, such as at the Commonwealth Games and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Born in December 2007, James is the son of Edward and Sophie and carries the full name James Alexander Philip Theo, with his middle name serving as a tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip.
Although he was once eighth in line to the throne, he now holds the fourteenth position.
When Edward and Sophie married in 1999, they were granted the titles Earl and Countess of Wessex, and it was announced that their children would not be styled as Prince or Princess.
As a result, James and his sister Louise hold the titles of children of an Earl and do not use the HRH style.
However, according to the 1917 letters patent issued by King George V, both James and Louise can choose to use their royal titles when they come of age, although their mother considers this highly unlikely.
At 14 years old, James is currently focused on his education and is believed to attend a school near the family home.
He and his sister Louise have a close relationship with the Queen and often spend summers with her on her Balmoral estate.
During these visits, James is known for his talent in flipping burgers during family barbecues.
His father, Edward, acknowledged the shared interests and passions between James and the Queen, emphasizing the cherished memories they have created together.
In a touching tribute to his mother, Edward mentioned how much joy it brought the Queen to see James and Louise enjoying the same activities and places that she and Prince Philip loved.
James' interests were once revealed by the Queen herself during a ceremony at Windsor Castle in 2017.
She proudly shared that her then 9-year-old grandson had a strong fascination with driving cars, often attempting to drive her own.
The presence of James Viscount Severn during the vigil for Queen Elizabeth II highlighted his maturity and willingness to honor his late grandmother alongside his cousins.
As the youngest of the Queen's grandsons, James demonstrated poise and strength, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed his solemn tribute.