James, the Earl of Wessex may have inherited his earldom from his dad Prince Edward but that doesn't mean he will be granted his Duke of Edinburgh title in the future.
James' mother Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, previously revealed that as he and his sister Lady Louise get older, they are not likely to be very involved in royal life, however, this is not the reason his father's title won't be passed on.
The title of Duke of Edinburgh was granted to Prince Edward as a life peerage, not a hereditary title. This means it's held by the individual for their lifetime and then reverts to the Crown upon their passing.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThis however has not always been the case, as in the past royal dukedoms have been hereditary, with the heir to the Dukedom poised to one day take over.
However, when Charles inherited the throne, he implemented a slimmed-down monarchy meaning that the focus has shifted towards the direct line of succession, with fewer extended family members actively involved in public life.
Therefore, the title will not pass down to Edward's son, James, Earl of Wessex, upon his death.
© Geoff RobinsonOnce again the title will revert back to the Crown as it did after Prince Philip's passing.
Buckingham Palace previously announced Edward would eventually one day succeed his father as the Duke of Edinburgh – but not until after the death of both Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
Earl James' role in royal life
James' mother, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh previously opened up about the role her son and daughter, Lady Louise Windsor would play in the monarchy.
In a 2020 interview with Christine Lamb for The Sunday Times, Sophie explained: "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.
© Getty"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."
Currently, Lady Louise has followed in the footsteps of her royal cousins Prince William and his wife the Princess of Wales and is studying at St. Andrew's University studying English.
Meanwhile, James completed his GCSE exams last year and is starting his A-level exams.
