Summary
Viscount Severn is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. The name of the viscountcy is derived from the River Severn that runs through England and Wales. The title, along with the Earldom of Wessex, was bestowed on Prince Edward by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, upon his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones.[2] Between 1999 and 2023, the title was a subsidiary title of the Earldom of Wessex and Earldom of Forfar. Since 2023, the title is a subsidiary title of the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon the granting of the dukedom to Prince Edward.
| Viscount Severn | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Creation date | 19 June 1999[1] |
| Creation | First |
| Created by | Elizabeth II |
| Peerage | Peerage of the United Kingdom |
| Present holder | Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh |
| Heir apparent | James, Earl of Wessex |
| Remainder to | the 1st Viscount's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten. |
| Status | Extant |
| Seat(s) | Bagshot Park |
History edit
Viscount Severn was used by minor members of the royal family in the 18th century.[2] There is a history of being given a secondary title so the eldest son can have it as a courtesy title.[2]
The title Viscount Severn is derived from the Welsh roots of Sophie Rhys-Jones's family.[2] The significance of this title is that it alludes to her ancestors having ruled the land Between Wye and Severn.[3] This was the first time a royal prince was granted a viscountcy since 1726 when the title was given to two of George II's sons.[4]
First creation, 1999 edit
Between 17th December 2007 and 10th March 2023, Viscount Severn was used as a courtesy title by Prince Edward's son, James, Earl of Wessex. When his father was conferred the Dukedom of Edinburgh, James instead became styled Earl of Wessex. The title will once again be used as a courtesy title should James have a son.
| Viscount | Portrait | Birth | Marriage(s) | Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Edward House of Windsor 1999–present also: Duke of Edinburgh (2023), Earl of Wessex (1999), Earl of Forfar (2019) |
|
10 March 1964 Buckingham Palace, London son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip |
19 June 1999 Sophie Rhys-Jones 2 children |
– now 60 years, 30 days old |
Line of succession edit
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (b. 1964)
- (1)
James, Earl of Wessex (b. 2007)
- (1)
References edit
- ^ "No. 55536". The London Gazette. 28 June 1999. p. 7011.
- ^ a b c d "Wessex titles for Edward and Sophie". BBC News. 19 June 1999. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
- ^ "Welsh Kings in Herefordshire and the origins of Rhwng Gwy a Hafren". Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ "Viscount and Viscountess". Unofficial Royalty. Retrieved 11 March 2023.