He’s previously been dubbed the ‘hidden royal’ – having missed occasions with his wider family in the past while concentrating on his schooling. But on Sunday, the Earl of Wessex proved he’s firmly in the royal fold.
James Mountbatten-Windsor, 18, was handed a more prominent role at the Royal Family‘s traditional Easter service, beaming alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales during his rare outing.
Prince Edward and Sophie’s son walked closely behind William, Kate and their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven, as they arrived with other royals for the service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Joining his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, James was captured joyfully chatting with the Princess of Wales outside the chapel before entering the Easter Matins service led by the King and Queen.
His sister, Lady Louise Windsor, 22, remained at St Andrews University to concentrate on her studies, while their mother, the Duchess of Edinburgh was reportedly set to attend the Easter service but was forced to pull out due to feeling ‘under the weather’.
Following his 18th birthday in December, much speculation emerged over the Earl’s future as a royal, with both he and his sister growing up without HRH titles.
The youngest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II is viewed as one of the most enigmatic members of the royal family, largely because his parents went to great lengths to give both their children a ‘normal’ upbringing.
Last year, writing in his Palace Confidential newsletter, the Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden expressed how the growing contribution from Edward and Sophie’s children could be of great value to the Royal Family.