James Viscount Severn, the son of Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward, celebrates his six birthday on 17 December

December 17, 2013 - 13:56 GMT hellomagazine.com

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The little Viscount was an early Christmas present, born on 17 December 2007 Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey.

Edward told the presss that his wife was "doing very well," and that his son was "like most babies, rather small, very cute and very cuddly.

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He was the couple's second child after Lady Louise Windsor, who is four years older.

For Sophie who'd suffered with her previous pregnancies, his safe arrival was a relief and she threw herself into motherhood the second time around.

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James, seen here refusing to cooperate at a photocall at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2009, is ninth in line to the throne.

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It's a regular date in the family's calendar since they live at Bagshot Park, which is just south of Windsor.

Here in 2010, the royal youngster has just had a go in the cab of an RAF transporter lorry.

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James enjoying a ride in 2013 at the show, which is also close to the Queen's heart since it is held on her land.

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Sophie is a particular favourite of the royal matriarch, who approves of the healthy, outdoors upbringing the two Wessex children are getting.

The Countess and her family in 2010 joining the rest of the Windsors for a cruise round the Hebrides.

The holiday was to celebrate Prince Andrew's 50th birthday and Princess Anne's 60th.

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In the early years, the Wessexes made an effort to keep their children out of the limelight.

But 2012 was a bumper for royal occasions and the protective parents relaxed this rule.