Royal fans are all surprised over one thing as James, Earl of Wessex made a rare appearance alongside his family in Windsor today. Arriving alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the 17-year-old made an appearance at for the annual Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel.

James, who wasn’t joined by his sister, 21-year-old Lady Louise Windsor, looked in high spririts as he joined fellow members of the Royal Family. Delighted by his rare appearance, royal fans couldn’t help but notice how much James had grown – especially since his appearance at the event last April.

Taking to X, one fan commented: “James is really so grown up!”

Spotting how tall James is, another fan pointed out how much taller he is than his dad, Prince Edward.

They wrote: “James is so tall!”, with another fan commenting, “James, Earl of Wessex is getting taller, even taller than his father…”

James also made an appearance at last year’s service, again without his sister in tow. Today, James’s height was especially notable as he walked down the hill from Windsor Castle for the service at St George’s Chapel.

Another royal fan also pointed out that James appears to “tower over” many members of his family – except for one member.

The fan took to X to comment: “James towers [over] them all. But maybe Timothy Laurence is taller?!”

Lady Louise was is likely spending the holidays at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Along with his sister, there were a number of notable absences – including the Wales family and the Tindall family.