Viscount Severn


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 Prince Edward and [Sophie">Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh">Prince Edward and [Sophie Rhys-Jones|marriage] to Sophie Rhys-Jones. 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.

History

Viscount Severn was used by minor members of the royal family in the 18th century. There is a history of being given a secondary title so the eldest son can have it as a courtesy title.
The title Viscount Severn was given in allusion to the Welsh roots of Sophie Rhys-Jones's family. The significance of this title is that it alludes to her ancestors having ruled the land Between Wye and Severn. 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.

First creation, 1999

Between 17 December 2007 and 10 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.

Line of succession