Queen Elizabeth has grown closer to her youngest grandson, James, Viscount Severn, and insiders claimed that Her Majesty could be grooming the boy to take on future royal roles in place of Prince Harry.
According to the source, James, 13, has become the monarch's new favorite grandchild, alongside his sister, Lady Louise Windsor, 17. Both young royals are the children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward, and Sophie.
The insider said the Queen appreciates how much James and Louis spend their time in Balmoral. Last summer, as the coronavirus restrictions eased in the United Kingdom, the Wessexes were able to briefly enjoy a time with Her Majesty despite staying in a separate house. James and Louise joined the Queen for walks around the estate.
Pre-pandemic, James usually visits his grandmother during the weekends whenever she is at Windsor Castle because they live close to her. The Wessexes have been staying at Bagshot Park since the earl and countess married in 1999.
Royal expert Rebecca English said that the growing relationship between the Queen and her youngest grandchildren comes as their mother is set to take more roles this year. Sophie is apparently a shoo-in for the duties Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, gave up with Harry. Sophie's son is being groomed to step into the royal limelight as well.
However, James is still 13 years old and won't technically be ready for a royal engagement until he is 18. He's also not using his HRH title like his sister but, as blood a prince and princess, they can choose to do so once they turn 18 years old.
Sophie said in an interview with The Sunday Times that she would support whatever her children decide, but she thinks it's highly unlikely that James and Louis will choose the royal path. The Countess of Wessex said that she expects her children to "work for a living" and not become public servants or working royals.
But there are talks of Louise eventually joining The Firm to help out her grandmother after Harry, Meghan and Prince Andrew's resignations. James is reportedly keen on following Louise as well and will seek a bigger role in the family's work, just like their parents.
James is currently the 12th in line to the throne, followed by Louise (13th). They will both move one place down once their cousin, Princess Eugenie, gives birth in February.
