Yet another Royal Parasite for us to support

Christopher , home,

I recall that when HM conferred the Earldom on Prince Edward, it was on the understanding that it would be adanced to a Dukedom (of Edinburgh) when HRHPhillip passed on...so really this young baby will in due course be the next Earl of Essex. when HRH steps up. The only thing that HM Queen Elizabeth should do if I may with the greatest respect suggest, before its too late ,is to recognise her so brilliant spouse HRH with Prince Consort status. How he does deserve it.

Howard Fargher, Ballindalloch, Banffshire

Many congratulations to them both, Sophie is the patron of the school for deaf children in Margate and she gave my son a kiss when she met him there. She is a lovely lady!!

charlotte , laxfield woodbridge, uk

why...
At the time of their marriage, the Earl and Countess gave up their future children's right to the title Royal Highness, which would normally be conferred on the grandchildren of a reigning sovereign.

bronte, Virginia,

The earl and countess did not give up their future childrens's right to the HRH. The 1917 Letters Patent is specific: children of the sovereign and grandchildren of the sovereign in the male line (as well as the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) are by birth (not conferred) HRH and Prince or Princess of the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Queen has allowed Edward's children to be styled as children of an earl - but Lady Louise and Lord Severn are legally a princess and a prince of the UK. The Queen did not issue a new Letters Patent to change this. There is a difference between style and rank: They are styled as Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, but they are (unless the Sovereign issues a new letters patent), a princess and prince .

Marlene Koenig, Alexandria, VA, USA

Surely Viscount Severn is eigth in line to the throne? The line of succession to the British throne is still determined by male primogeniture, so he jumps ahead of his older sister.

Jonathan, Didcot, UK