Prince Edward And His Wife Sophie Raised Their Children Without Royal Titles

Sep 25, 2022 by apost team

Queen Elizabeth II’s fourth child, Prince Edward, was born on March 10, 1964. At birth, he was 3rd in the line of succession. However, after his brothers’ later had children, he fell to 13th in line. Unlike other members of the royal family and perhaps because of his distance from the throne, Edward leads a fairly low-key life. For a long time, the Earl of Wessex has kept his life from the limelight, seeking to remain as anonymous as possible. This also explains the family’s decision not to use royal titles, supported by comments they made in 2020, relaying that their children would work for a living. 

Edward, in a way, has led by example, having led a normal life himself and earning regular wages. After he finished his schooling, Edward spent a gap year in New Zealand, where he worked as a tutor and junior master. Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Edward received a bachelor’s degree in history from Jesus College in Cambridge in 1986.

Following his studies, Edward joined the royal marines but later quit to try a career in the arts, as reported by The Guardian. He started his career working for theatrical production companies before starting his own company, named Ardent Productions, which focused on TV documentaries. 

He married Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones in 1999. She worked in public relations before eventually starting her own agency named RJH Public Relations in 1996. It was during a period when she worked at Capital Radio that Sophie met Edward in 1987; however, the two didn’t begin dating until 1993.

The couple got married on June 19 at St. George’s Chapel. As a present from the queen for their wedding, Edward was given the title Earl of Wessex, which made his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Edward also received the title of Earl of Forfar as a birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth on March 10, 2018. 

In 2017 Edward began to take over some of his father’s duties after Philip’s inability to carry out some responsibilities due to his age. Notably, Edward now presides over the Commonwealth Games Federation. He also took over his father’s role and now presides over the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which was started by Prince Philip in 1956, according to Royal Central. Since he took over duties from his father, Prince Edward has traveled to many parts of the world in different capacities to oversee projects. He has been to South Africa, Israel, Baltimore and many other places. 

Outside of their royal duties, Edward and Sophie are quite philanthropic. They established the Wessex Youth Trust after their wedding. Through the Trust, the couple helps and supports different charities working with disadvantaged children. In 2019 after 21 years, they renamed the trust The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust. 

Their daughter Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor was born on November 8, 2003. Louise’s personal interests include Girlguiding and carriage driving, which was popularized by her grandfather Prince Philip. Like her parents, Louise doesn’t partake in as many events as other members of the royal family, but she does make appearances. 

apost.com

As a young girl, Louise played a role in Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. She has also accompanied her parents on a number of official engagements. This included a trip to South Africa, as well as attending the funeral of her grandfather Prince Philip, as well as his memorial service in 2022. Later on, in June 2022, she also attended various events celebrating the late queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and she even appeared on the balcony alongside other members of the royal family for Trooping the Colour. 

Her brother, James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, leads a similarly quiet life. He was born on December 17, 2007. He attends the Eagle House School. Since he is still a young teenager, it has only been in the last few years that James has begun to accompany his parents and sister on official royal engagements. 

Their parents have commented over the years on their decision to raise their children without titles. “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living,” Sophie explained to the Times of London. “Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles.” 

In accordance with the 1917 Letters Patent, either child may later choose to receive the titles once they are 18. This rule was drawn up by King George V and dictates who may be given a title, namely that of “Prince.” 

On whether or not she thinks her children will receive their titles later in life, Sophie said, “I think it’s highly unlikely.”

What do you think of their decision to raise Sophie and James without titles? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and any fellow royalists!