His descendant Richard Edgcumbe was a prominent politician and served as Paymaster-General of Ireland and as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

He represented Plympton Erle, Lostwithiel and Penrhyn in the House of Commons and served as Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall.

He was an Admiral of the Blue and also held political office as Treasurer of the Household and as Captain of the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners.

On his death the titles passed to his second but eldest surviving son, Viscount Valletort's brother, the third Earl.

As of 2021[update] the titles are held by his nephew, the ninth Earl Christopher Mortimer Edgcumbe, who succeeded his brother in that year.

His father, who was born and died in New Zealand, served as a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War.