The Unofficial British Royal Family Pages

Sunday 16 March 2008

A Royal Christening?

Even though nothing has been announced � so far as I know � we must be getting close to a royal christening for Prince Edward�s son, Viscount Severn, who was born just before Christmas.  The Easter season is a traditional time for baptisms, and the Easter Court at Windsor would provide both the venue and the opportunity for many of the Windsor clan to be present for the event. 

The April 2004 baptism of Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor occurred shortly after that year�s Easter in the new private chapel in Windsor Castle, and I would anticipate that her baby brother�s ceremony may follow suit.  Whenever a royal christening occurs the family brings out the historic christening gown that dates back to Victoria�s children.  There�s also an elaborate silver-gilt font (something of a monstrosity in my opinion) designed by Prince Albert for his and Queen Victoria�s first child.  The font is usually filled with water brought from the River Jordan, where Jesus himself was baptized. 

The photos of such occasions have also become traditional.  Perhaps the most famous early set features the elderly Queen Victoria holding her great-grandson, the future Duke of Windsor.  Sadly missing from the christening photos this time around will be the Countess of Wessex�s mother, Mrs. Mary Rhys-Jones, who died in August 2005.  Also missing will be the photographer of Lady Louise�s big day, the Queen�s cousin Patrick Lichfield, who died in November 2005. 

James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, Viscount Severn, was born on December 17, 2007.  Although the family is choosing not to use the title, he is legally HRH Prince James of Wessex.  (Likewise, his sister is in fact HRH Princess Louise of Wessex.)  While his parents say that they chose the first two of the lad�s four given names simply because they liked them, I won�t be at all surprised if James Ogilvy (son of Princess Alexandra) shows up among the godparents when the christening occurs.  The Duke of Gloucester�s son Alexander, the Earl of Ulster, is another possible godparent.  The names Philip and Theo are derived in turn from Prince Philip and from Sophie�s grandfather, Theo Rhys-Jones. 

Little James is currently eighth in line to the throne, just after his father and just before his sister.  (Suggested changes in the British laws of succession to grant gender equality have not, to date, moved forward.)  Someday, if things go according to plan, Viscount Severn will become Duke of Edinburgh.  Although Prince Edward cannot directly succeed to his father�s title � since he has two elder brothers as well as two nephews senior to him in the line of succession � he can be created Duke of Edinburgh after Philip�s death� though not until the title reverts to the crown when Charles becomes King. 

The birth of a second child for the Earl and Countess of Wessex came as a truly �blessed event� after their history of struggling with infertility and life-threatening pregnancies.  The recent emergency hospitalization of the infant James, apparently after an allergic reaction, was a huge scare for the Wessex family.  Like others who have had their children later in life, the children are hard-won, and all the dearer for it.  The Queen is especially close to her youngest son and his family, and these more private grandchildren will probably have a more relaxed and regular grandparental relationship with Her Majesty than has been possible for their elder cousins. 

What the lives and careers of the Wessex children will be remains to be seen.  They will undoubtedly witness a remarkable sweep of history.  If, as currently seems probable, the British monarchy continues to survive and flourish over the next century, then Viscount Severn could well have a life that spans the reigns of Elizabeth II, Charles III, William V, and on into the reign of William�s eventual heir.  That said, it is to be hoped that wee Jamie and his sister will enjoy lives more in the low-key mode of Peter and Zara Philips, and of Viscount Linley and Sarah Chatto, rather than suffering the higher profile challenges experienced by the Wales boys and the York girls.  That seems to be their parents� most sensible intention. 

And in the meantime� a family gathering in a castle chapel awaits. 

A most happy St. Patrick�s Day, and a most blessed Easter to all to whom the occasions apply.  And while we�re at it, let�s not forget St. Cuthbert�s day on March 20! 

Yours Aye,

- Ken Cuthbertson