Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

NAME Edward Antony Richard Louis, currently holding the title Duke of Edinburgh, was previously known as the Earl of Wessex and Earl of Forfar. 

He was created Duke of Edinburgh by his brother King Charles III on March 10, 2023, his 59th birthday, inheriting the title previously held by his father Prince Philip for over 70 years until his death in 2021. Prior to this, he was created Earl of Wessex upon his marriage in 1999 and received the additional title Earl of Forfar in 2019.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Prince Edward is primarily known for being the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Unlike some of his siblings, Edward has maintained a relatively low public profile throughout his life. His most significant public role involves his extensive work with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program, which was founded by his father in 1956 and promotes personal development among young people.

BIRTH Prince Edward was born on March 10, 1964, at 20:20 GMT at Buckingham Palace, London. He was the fourth and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, born during his mother's reign. At the time of his birth, he was third in line to the British throne, though as of 2025, he now stands 15th in the line of succession.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Edward was born into the House of Windsor as the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His siblings include King Charles III, Princess Anne (The Princess Royal), and Prince Andrew (Duke of York). 

CHILDHOOD As the youngest child of the reigning monarch, Edward was born into a life of privilege and royal duty. Born during his mother's reign, Edward grew up in the public eye but with relative privacy compared to his older brother Charles, who was heir to the throne.

EDUCATION Prince Edward's education followed a pattern similar to that of his father and brothers. He began his schooling at Heatherdown Preparatory School in Ascot. He then attended Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where he excelled in sports and ultimately became head boy in his last term.

After completing his A-Levels at Gordonstoun, Edward took a gap year in 1982, during which he worked as a house tutor at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. Following his gap year, Edward attended Jesus College, Cambridge, where he studied history and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his university years, he showed a keen interest in theatrical productions, which would influence his early career choices. (1)

CAREER RECORD Briefly joined the Royal Marines.

Worked as a theatre production assistant for the Really Useful Theatre Company.

Founded his own production company, Ardent Productions.

Became a full-time working member of the royal family.

APPEARANCE Standing at 6 feet tall (183 cm), Edward is among the taller members of the British royal family, matching the height of his late father, Prince Philip, and his brother Prince Andrew. This stature places him in contrast to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who stood at 5'2", and aligns him with historical figures like his grandfather King George VI, whom he increasingly resembles as he ages.

Edward’s facial structure has drawn comparisons to multiple generations of the Windsor family. His toothy smile, eye shape, and arched eyebrows closely mirror those of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, creating a "living memory" of her public presence. Simultaneously, as he has aged, his likeness to his father, Prince Philip, has become pronounced. 

Edward in 2022 By UKinUSA - https://www.flickr.com/

FASHION Edward’s fashion choices reflect a blend of traditional royal decorum and subtle individuality. He frequently wears double-breasted blazers, fedoras, and tailored suits reminiscent of Prince Philip’s mid-20th-century style. 

 His grooming remains understated, with short, side-parted hair that has grayed gracefully, maintaining a clean-shaven face in keeping with royal norms.

In February 2024, Prince Edward made fashion headlines when he wore a distinctive Hermes silk tie featuring blue monkeys hanging from vines above green crocodiles during an official visit to South Africa. The £200 tie subsequently sold out online, demonstrating the "royal effect" on fashion similar to what has been seen with other royal family members like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.

CHARACTER Prince Edward has been described as "quiet and efficient" and someone who "does not seek attention or acquire headlines". As a child, he was characterized as bookish, often preferring to spend time alone. His wife Sophie has noted that Edward "never seeks compliments for himself," a trait she likened to his father, Prince Philip. 

His approach to royal duties appears to be one of quiet dedication rather than seeking the spotlight, which has earned him respect within royal circles. A royal insider told the Express that he and Sophie are "liked for being dutiful and uncomplaining". (2)

SPEAKING VOICE Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, is noted for a speaking voice that is calm, measured, and distinctly British. His public appearances and speeches reveal a clear Received Pronunciation accent, typical of the British royal family, but without the pronounced formality sometimes associated with older generations. His tone tends to be warm and approachable, often reflecting a gentle and understated manner.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Prince Edward appears to have inherited his father Prince Philip's "unique sense of humour". During a visit to Boxing Futures charity in Peterborough in February 2025, Edward displayed his "quick-witted sense of humour" during a plaque unveiling ceremony. Making the standard royal duty more entertaining, he jokingly said, "I will try and make this look as slick and professional as possible," adding, "But I just want you to know that it's taken years and years of practice, and I'm still practising, and anything may happen, and probably will." He further quipped about the plaque: "Hopefully you're not going to stick it on a punchbag...". (3)

RELATIONSHIPS Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones on June 19, 1999, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Unlike his siblings Charles, Anne, and Andrew, Edward is the only one who has not divorced,

Edward met Sophie in 1993 while she was working in public relations, and they dated for six years before marrying. Their relationship appears to be strong and stable, with the couple celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in 2019. They have two children: Lady Louise Windsor, born in 2003, and James, Earl of Wessex, born in 2007.

Both Edward and Sophie were reportedly favorites of Queen Elizabeth II, with Sophie being described as "like another daughter" to the late Queen. Their loyal and uncomplaining approach to royal duties is said to have been particularly appreciated by the monarch.

Edward and Sophie in 2013 by Frankie Fouganthin Wikipedia

MONEY AND FAME His early business venture, Ardent Productions, faced financial difficulties, with an earlier production company having collapsed in 1991 with debts of approximately £600,000 (almost $1 million). Since becoming a full-time working royal in 2002, Edward has been supported through the Sovereign Grant, like other working members of the royal family.

FOOD AND DRINK Prince Edward is known for his enjoyment of barbecuing, a skill and pastime he shares with his late father, Prince Philip. His wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has described him as "very good at barbecues," and noted that their children particularly love these family meals. (4)

He is also credited with inventing the "Balmoral Buttie," a food he enjoys so much that he named it after Balmoral Castle, the royal family's Scottish residence. While details of the Balmoral Buttie's exact ingredients are not widely publicized, the name suggests a hearty, possibly Scottish-inspired sandwich or snack, reflecting Edward's fondness for informal, comforting fare.

Prince Edward's favorite drink is reportedly a classic gin and tonic. This aligns with the broader royal family's appreciation for gin-based beverages, with gin and tonic being a staple at royal gatherings, especially at Balmoral on Christmas Day.

MUSIC AND ARTS Prince Edward has demonstrated a longstanding interest in the arts, particularly theater. After leaving the Royal Marines, he worked in theatrical production, joining Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company. His interest in theatrical productions was evident during his university years at Cambridge. This passion for the performing arts influenced his early career choices before he transitioned to full-time royal duties.

Edward visiting a youth theatre programme in Salisbury, Australia By CityofSalisbury - 

LITERATURE Unlike some other members of the royal family, Edward has not published memoirs, children’s books, or essays, nor has he publicly discussed favorite authors or genres

NATURE Prince Edward has shown some engagement with environmental matters, as evidenced by his visit to the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in South Africa, where he met with the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. 

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Edward is a keen sports enthusiast. He enjoys and supports a range of sports, including badminton, tennis, and snowsports. He is the patron or president of several sporting organizations, such as the British Paralympic Association, GB Snowsport, Badminton Scotland, and The Tennis & Rackets Association.

He has attended every Commonwealth Games since 1986 and serves as Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Edward also enjoys horseback riding and is known to support other athletic activities through his patronages

He was an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program during his school years and achieved a Gold Award, demonstrating his commitment to physical activities and community service. (5)

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Prince Edward’s public philosophy is deeply shaped by his commitment to youth empowerment, resilience, and service-values inherited from his father, Prince Philip, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Edward emphasizes the importance of non-formal education, believing that vital life skills such as confidence, adaptability, and resilience are best developed through real-world challenges, service, and personal growth outside the classroom. He often speaks about the need to invest in young people as society’s “most precious resource,” arguing that supporting their development is essential for a brighter, more resilient future.

Edward’s theological outlook is rooted in a personal, thoughtful Christianity. In a 2024 address to the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, he spoke movingly of his experience of “God’s care and love,” particularly during times of family grief. He sees faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see,” referencing the Letter to the Hebrews and describing faith as subtle and complex, rather than rigid or predestined.

Edward emphasizes the importance of compassion, listening, and non-judgment. He highlights the parable of the Good Samaritan as a model for Christian conduct, stressing that the Church’s role is to care for all, without presumption or judgment. Tolerance, for Edward, is central: he believes the Church should be a unifying, welcoming space, requiring reciprocal acceptance and understanding.

He also acknowledges the challenges of faith in a world seeking rational explanations for suffering, urging ministers and believers to listen, care, and be present for those in need, rather than offering easy answers. (6)

POLITICS There s no specific information about Prince Edward's political views, which is consistent with the British royal family's tradition of political neutrality.

SCANDAL His production company, Ardent Productions, faced criticism for breaching royal privacy.

MILITARY RECORD Prince Edward joined the Royal Marines after graduating from Cambridge University. However, his military career was brief, as he resigned his commission in 1987 during commando training. This decision represented a departure from royal tradition, as many male members of the royal family have had substantial military careers.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Prince Edward drew public attention for a noticeable weight loss, particularly in his late 50s and early 60s. Observers and royal commentators noted that he appeared significantly slimmer, with some expressing concern about his health based on his appearance at public events. Despite speculation, sources close to Edward attributed his weight loss to discipline and healthy habits rather than illness. According to reports, he is "remarkably disciplined," not a big eater or drinker, and "certainly not a smoker." He is also described as "not a pudding man," indicating he avoids sweets and desserts. (7)

HOMES Prince Edward and his family reside at Bagshot Park in Surrey, England. The estate has been their home since their marriage in 1999.

TRAVEL Edward frequently undertakes overseas tours and visits, both in support of The King and related to his charitable initiatives.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Here’s a snapshot of how Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh has surfaced in film, television, radio and popular culture over the years:

1. Early TV Exposure

It’s a Royal Knockout (1987) – Edward produced and co‑hosted this one‑off charity gameshow pitting royals and celebrities against each other. The slap‑stick spectacle drew huge ratings but was panned by much of the press, reinforcing a view that he was the “show‑biz” Windsor.

Documentaries about his gap‑year service with the Royal Marines (1986) and later royal tours often featured on the BBC and ITV.

2. Behind‑the‑scenes Production Work

Ardent Productions (1993‑2002) – Edward founded this independent TV company to make documentaries (e.g., Edward on Edward about Edward VIII, and royal travelogues such as Crown and Country for the History Channel). Although some programmes sold internationally, critics accused the firm of capitalising on royal connections. He left full‑time media work when he married Sophie Rhys‑Jones in 1999 and wound the company down in 2002 after press intrusion around William’s time at St Andrews.

3. Cameos & Voice‑overs

Narration – Lent his voice to wildlife and historical docs, notably for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity films.

Guest appearances – Popped up in BBC’s Songs of Praise and Blue Peter to promote youth programmes and the DofE Award.

4. Dramatized Portrayals

The Crown (Netflix)  Season 3: Angus Imrie plays teenage Edward.

Seasons 4‑5: Edward is portrayed by Freddie Spry (child) and Angus Imrie (young adult).

Season 6: Ed McVey portrays him during the late 1990s.

5. Stage & Radio – Occasionally referenced as a comic character in UK satire (e.g., Dead Ringers, Spitting Image revival).

ACHIEVEMENTS Supports the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Became Duke of Edinburgh in 2023.

Sources (1) Britroyals (2) Town & Country (3) Hello! (4) Woman & Home (5) Royal.uk (6) The Church of Scotland (7) Celebitchy