Edward could be last prince standing
Prince Edward has done what we call a Bradbury – he’s become the leading man on the royal stage. And his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, just happens to be the perfect co-star. With King Charles and Prince William cutting back on engagements, the former for cancer treatment, the latter to support his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, while she undergoes chemotherapy, Edward is suddenly front and centre, albeit temporarily – whether he likes it or not.
As the fourth child of Queen Elizabeth, Edward has slowly dropped down the official rankings over the years and is now 14th in line to the throne.
Prince Harry previously talked about his fears of being overshadowed by his brothers’ kids as they grew up, fearing his work would get less prominence.
However, Edward never concerned himself that he was born the “spare” three times removed, and has quietly operated under the radar while others have taken the spotlight.
But just like Australian speed skater Steven Bradbury who came from behind to win gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Prince Edward has emerged as the leading royal sibling.
Some would be surprised to know that like his sister Anne, Princess Royal, he has a proven work ethic – he finished third behind Charles and Anne, with 297 public engagements last year, nearly double the previous year’s total.
It’s fair to say Edward, a failed royal marine and former TV producer, had a shaky start to his working life. But in the long years since he’s not slipped up and his new title Duke of Edinburgh is well deserved. And, both he and wife Sophie, a former PR girl, have a touch of the “reals” about them. They were the only royals unable to hold back the tears during the Queen’s funeral.
They also seem to be very much in love, no desperate hand holding needed. Last week Sophie paid an emotional tribute to mark his 60th birthday, which again left him wiping away tears.
Unlike other royals who have been very much in the headlines, they don’t preach about service, or have a website to shout about how their lives are devoted to helping others.
No, the Wessexes have just been getting on with it, quietly, until now.