At the time of his birth , he was third in the line of succession to the thrones of ten independent states ; however , after additions to the Royal Family , and an evolution of the Commonwealth , Edward is currently seventh in line to the thrones of 16 countries . At the time of his birth , he was third in the line of succession to the thrones of ten independent states ; however , after additions to the Royal Family , and an evolution of the Commonwealth , Edward is now seventh in line to the thrones of 16 countries .