Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest child, has long appeared to be eclipsed by popular wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the more well-known members of the British royal family. Despite his privileged background, his early life was faced by a slew of scandals and public disasters that eclipsed his dreams of becoming a theatrical professional.

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His father, Prince Philip, expressed disapproval of his decision to leave the Royal Marines after just three months of training. Edward, however, took comfort in the entertainment industry, where he worked as a production assistant for musicals and planned events such as “It’s a Royal Knockout,” which was mocked for lacking royal majesty even if it was a success.

Edward also failed in his effort to start a television production firm, Ardent, and further damaged his image by making films that exploited his nephew Prince William and violated his privacy. He would, however, ultimately redeem himself and make the switch to a full-time position as a working royal, assisting his mother via public appearances and charitable endeavors.

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Though he is not as well-known as his wife, the former PR consultant Sophie Rhys-Jones, who has gained immense popularity within the royal family, Edward is respected in royal circles for his devotion and commitment to public service. For the longest time, Edward held the title of Earl of Wessex. As Edward turned 59 in 2023, a grateful King Charles III created his brother Duke of Edinburgh. 

While his lack of ambition was once considered a weakness, it has now proven to be Edward’s greatest strength as it has helped him to maintain a healthy relationship with his brother and stay away from the scandals and issues that hound the other members of the family. Ultimately, Edward seems satisfied to fulfill his function as an auxiliary member of the royal family, thereby enhancing the structure of the monarchy. Someone close to Edward commented: “He has dedicated much of his life to public service and charitable work. He has always been very clear about his role which is to support the monarchy. Previously that meant doing what his mother asked, now it means doing what his brother asks. He has always been loyal and Charles likes him enormously and is very grateful to him.”

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Now well on his sixth decade, Edward continues to quietly fulfill his duties while serving as a stabilizing force of the British monarchy.

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