The title, along with the Earldom of Wessex, was bestowed on Prince Edward by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, upon his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones.

[2] The title Viscount Severn was given in allusion to the Welsh roots of Sophie Rhys-Jones's family.

[2] The significance of this title is that it alludes to her ancestors having ruled the land Between Wye and Severn.

[3] 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.

[citation needed] Between 17th December 2007 and 10th March 2023, Viscount Severn was used as a courtesy title by Prince Edward's son, James, Earl of Wessex.