Christening of Viscount Severn at Windsor, 19 April 2008

[iowabelle]

IMO it seems that Edward and Sophie have given an indication that they do not believe that their children's futures lie within the Royal Family, given the names of the prospective godparents.

[angela]

If Buckingham Palace are actually pointing out that a new robe has been made and this is the first time it's been worn then we have no reason to doubt it. I also accept that the old one has finally been retired for good as it couldn't go on for ever and must have been getting harder and harder to maintain each time it was worn.

[lynnecam1uk]

It was The Queen who comiss[ioned the new robe,which i can understand given the age of the original robe and she obviously wants to preserve the old robe before it actually does wear out.

hope the christening goes off well who are the godparents by the way does anyone know?

Originally Posted by angela

If Buckingham Palace are actually pointing out that a new robe has been made and this is the first time it's been worn then we have no reason to doubt it. I also accept that the old one has finally been retired for good as it couldn't go on for ever and must have been getting harder and harder to maintain each time it was worn.

[Claire]

Originally Posted by iowabelle

IMO it seems that Edward and Sophie have given an indication that they do not believe that their children's futures lie within the Royal Family, given the names of the prospective godparents.

I don't think that it is a short on their family or their family ties. Its just that Edward and Sophie put a lot of importance on their friends. And IMO, rightly so, these people have been really there for them.
Besides, Louise and James' future can't lie in the royal family by virtue of who their parents are.

[Kezza]

From Hello Magazine.

The Queen leads the family celebrating baby James' big day

[Royal Fan]

what time is it at Windsor /U.K Whens it start.

[Claire]

It's already finished. It was at 11h00.

[jcbcode99]

I think it is interesting that Sophie and Edward think that their children will have no roles within the Royal Family given that the Dukes of Kent, Gloucester are cousins of the Queen and are involved in the Royal Family, Also, Andrew has made certain his children are going to be involved--I'm sure they'll be involved, but I suppose that Sophie and Edward just want a more private lifestyle. Of course, James will be the Duke of Edinburg which is a royal title....

[Zonk]

Originally Posted by jcbcode99

I think it is interesting that Sophie and Edward think that their children will have no roles within the Royal Family given that the Dukes of Kent, Gloucester are cousins of the Queen and are involved in the Royal Family, Also, Andrew has made certain his children are going to be involved--I'm sure they'll be involved, but I suppose that Sophie and Edward just want a more private lifestyle. Of course, James will be the Duke of Edinburg which is a royal title....

Its important to note that the Dukes of Kent, Gloucester,etc had a more prominent role during the the early part of the century until the 70's because for intents and purposes the royal family was smaller at that time. In the 60's for example it was just the Queen, the Duke, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Marina, Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (Harry and Alice) and Princess Alexandra and that was it (through in Princess Alice, Countess of Althone for good measure). Also, royalty played more of a role in the day to day life, (i.e. a royal was almost always a sponsor or patron of a charity) nowadays a celebrity might serve to draw interest to a particular charity. And finally, the costs of the royal family. But I am thinking that Sophie and Edward saw what the press has down to Charles/Diana and Camilla and and Harry/William and simply don't want that for theirs.

And finally (to get back on subject), what a great picture! Sophie, Edward and baby James look adorable.

[Claire]

That was then, this is now. A larger royal family is not favoured. Of course I have not magic ball, but I think that Louise and James might have something of a life here.
I don't think that James will have DOE and think that returns to the crown if Edward even gets get.

[jcbcode99]

A larger Royal Family may not be favored, but Charles is still Uncle to Edward's children after all--and their Grandma is Queen; I'm sure that Bea and Eugenie are going to be involved--but I do respect Edward and Sophie for wanting their children to have more private lives--like Anne's children. They've turned out so well--actually, all of HM grandchildren have turned out well.
As for the DoE---it is my understanding that the title will pass to the Crown and then to Edward. Some kind of statement was made when he married Sophie--and the Royal Letters Patent that created Phillip DoE specified that one of his children would get the hereditary title upon his death.

[Claire]

As for the DoE---it is my understanding that the title will pass to the Crown and then to Edward. Some kind of statement was made when he married Sophie--and the Royal Letters Patent that created Phillip DoE specified that one of his children would get the hereditary title upon his death.

That is Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. The DOE titie will be a recreation after the deaths of the Queen and the current Duke. A new tltle will be created by the King then which will state whether it is heritary or not. At this point we just don't know.
It is my opinion that within the next three years Edward and Sophie will start a role similiar to the Glouchesters and Kents and thus their children will lead similar lives to Freddy Windsor, Rose and Davina Windsor. They might attended family gatherings and even support their favourite designer and charity but that is probably all.

[jcbcode99]

It is my opinion that within the next three years Edward and Sophie will start a role similiar to the Glouchesters and Kents and thus their children will lead similar lives to Freddy Windsor, Rose and Davina Windsor. They might attended family gatherings and even support their favourite designer and charity but that is probably all.[/quote]

MOst likely you are correct--and that is about what I would expect, I just don't want to see the neice and nephew of the King disappear from view!

As for the DoE, it does have to be recreated when it reverts to the Crown, but I thought it had been announced that Edward would receive it. As it has been announced by the Palace why would that change?

[Warren]

Nothing has changed. The Queen has expressed her intent, it will be up to Charles to implement it.

[Claire]

I expect the pic will be realeased at about eleven for the morning paps. Sorry Warren if you were saying up to see it.

[Lemon Lyman]

It was definately annouced when Edward got married and given the title Earl of Wessex that he would inherit the title DOE when his father died.

Edward is taking over quite a few of his fathers charities as he grows older - specfically the DOE Awards Scheme!

[yvr girl]

Originally Posted by Lemon Lyman

It was definately annouced when Edward got married and given the title Earl of Wessex that he would inherit the title DOE when his father died.

Actually, it's when the title reverts to the crown, which is when Charles becomes King.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by Lemon Lyman

It was definately annouced when Edward got married and given the title Earl of Wessex that he would inherit the title DOE when his father died.

Edward is taking over quite a few of his fathers charities as he grows older - specfically the DOE Awards Scheme!

According to Edward's biography ion the Official Website

Born in 1964, he was known as Prince Edward until his marriage, when he was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn.

At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.

[sjetajiem]

Originally Posted by Claire

I expect the pic will be realeased at about eleven for the morning paps. Sorry Warren if you were saying up to see it.

The christening of Viscount Severn is a private christening.
There will be pics, but only for the family and friends.
So no pics will be published and there will be no pics in the morning papers!!!

[Princess Robijn]

Originally Posted by sjetajiem

The christening of Viscount Severn is a private christening.
There will be pics, but only for the family and friends.
So no pics will be published and there will be no pics in the morning papers!!!

1 picture will be released.