A Fond Farewell: Young Viscount Severn Says Goodbye to His Beloved Granny

In a poignant moment at Westminster Abbey, James, Viscount Severn, the youngest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, was seen seeking comfort from Mike Tindall as he bid farewell to his grandmother.

The 14-year-old son of the Earl and Countess of Wessex appeared somber while attending the royal funeral alongside his family, including his older sister, Lady Louise, who is 18.

The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the young royals gathered to honor the late monarch.

James, along with his cousins, including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, entered the church for the state funeral.

Despite their youth, Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward's children exhibited a maturity that belied their years.

This display of composure comes in the wake of the Queen's passing at Balmoral on September 8, at the age of 96.

It was a bittersweet occasion, marked by both grief and love for the matriarch of the family.

Just days before the funeral, all of Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren held a vigil at Westminster Hall, a first-of-its-kind tribute to their beloved grandmother.

As members of the public paid their respects, James was observed with his head bowed, reflecting the solemnity of the moment.

The vigil lasted around ten minutes, yet it felt like an eternity for those mourning the loss of the Queen.

Growing up, James and his sister had more opportunities to bond with their grandparents than many of their older cousins.

Living just 11 miles away from Windsor at Bagshot Park allowed them to enjoy a relatively normal childhood.

Their parents aimed to provide them with a sense of normalcy, steering them away from the relentless spotlight that often accompanies royal life.

While James is cherished during the royal family's summer holidays at Balmoral, where he enthusiastically participates in outdoor activities, he remains largely out of the public eye.

His parents chose not to style him as a prince at birth, a decision made to alleviate some of the pressures associated with royal titles.

When the Earl and Countess of Wessex married in 1999, Buckingham Palace confirmed that their children would be referred to as the children of an Earl rather than as a Prince or Princess.

James' title, Viscount Severn, was selected to honor his mother Sophie's Welsh heritage, as it references the River Severn in Wales.

In a 2020 interview, Sophie expressed her desire to raise her children with the understanding that they would likely need to work for a living.

She emphasized the importance of giving them a grounded upbringing, away from the royal limelight.

The absence of an HRH title hasn't hindered James's recognition, however.

In fact, a Canadian lake has been named in his honor.

During a visit to Manitoba in 2008, Prince Edward received framed notices designating two lakes after his children, showcasing the affection held for them across the pond.

Born on December 17, 2007, at Frimley Park Hospital, James Alexander Philip Theo was described by his father as “very cute and very cuddly.” At birth, he was eighth in line to the British throne, ahead of his sister, Lady Louise.

Following the arrival of Princess Beatrice's child last year, he now stands 15th in the line of succession.

The Crown Act of 2013 changed the rules of succession, ensuring that male offspring no longer take precedence over females.

However, since the Act applies only to those born after October 28, 2011, James retains his position ahead of Lady Louise.

The birth of Zara Tindall's third child did not affect his standing either, as it occurred post-Act.

James enjoys spending summers at the Queen's Scottish estate, participating in family barbecues where he's known for his burger-flipping skills.

An insider once revealed that his enthusiasm for fly fishing delighted Her Majesty, as it was a sport beloved by his great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.

His mother, Sophie, shares his passion for fishing, often joining him in the water.

Both have impressed the Balmoral gamekeepers with their skills.

James has even been spotted driving a Land Rover around Windsor Castle, a testament to his adventures within the royal grounds.