Prince Edward may have spent a few years finding his way in the Royal Family, but he is now firmly seen as one of King Charles’s most vital assets. While he darted between careers in the Royal Marines, a job in the theatre, and later running an ultimately unsuccessful production company, a leading royal expert has explained why Edward’s star is continuing to rise as the years go by.
Speaking after the Duke celebrated his 62nd birthday, Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine and author of Prince Edward: A Biography, Ingrid Seward, said that the key to his success has been his marriage to the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Ms Seward explained: “Edward has always been good and hardworking, but no one noticed. Sophie was and still is the real star. But her love and support for him have encouraged people to sit up and notice him.”
Sophie’s main areas of charitable interests lie in the fields of avoidable blindness, the prevention of sexual violence in conflict zones, health and gender equality. The Duchess is seen as a safe pair of hands when carrying out her royal engagements, whether with the rest of the family or on her own.
Ms Seward continues: “Ed, as he was called, got along well with Philip, and they worked very successfully on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, until Edward took over. Charles knew that he would be a trusty pair of hands, especially with Sophie at his side. She really is the secret weapon.
“People see Sophie being so friendly and ordinary without any of the entitlement of Andrew, and they love her, and they love that she loved Edward so much, so they enjoy seeing them together.
“If you notice, he doesn’t get so much attention when she is not with him. Despite his acting ability, he seems unable to engage with the public naturally. It’s him and them. This is what I have noticed on video clips of him trying to engage with the public. Whereas one-to-one, he is charming and funny.”
Reflecting on the Duke specifically, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams is clear that Edward’s profile will only continue to rise as he dedicates his time to highlighting the good work of others.
“There is no doubt that his profile is increasing as he and Sophie support the King, as he battles cancer, and, since he was star-struck in his early years, a part of him will undoubtedly welcome this. There is no evidence that the King actually wants a ‘slimline monarchy’ and we know that Princess Anne does not think it a good idea, especially as the activities of the Royal Family are so important to charity and the interest in them remains phenomenal.
One of his biggest assets, Mr Fitzwilliams says, is his family image and position as the only one of Queen Elizabeth II’s children not to have suffered a divorce.
“Prince Edward has a wholesome family image, which is helpful too. At the moment, when the monarchy is such a significant part of Britain’s soft power, the roles of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are becoming increasingly important. It is too early to say whether his children are destined to carry out any royal duties; it has been made clear that this was not intended for them, but it could nonetheless happen.”