British Royals

James, Earl of Wessex has an unexpected middle name and it could have been even more unusual

By
18th January 2026
Royal babies usually get rather royal names but when the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh welcomed their son, in 2007, their choices surprised many. And the unusual pick of Edward and Sophie could have even more unusual origins. The baby boy born on December 17th 2007 at Frimley Park Hospital was a fourth grandson for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Four days later, his proud parents took…
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History

Monarchy Rules: a look at James II

By
10th October 2015
James was not born to be a King. He was the third, but second surviving son of Charles I and Henrietta Maria, born on 14 October 1633. Though he was styled as Duke of York from birth, he was not formally created so until 1643. His father was executed on 30 January 1649 but…