View source for Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

{{Short description|British prince (born 1964)}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
<!-- ignore your spell-checker: "Antony" is the correct spelling -->
{{Infobox royalty
| name         = Prince Edward
| title        = [[Duke of Edinburgh]] ([[List of titles and honours of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|more]])
| image        = Prince Edward 2022.jpg
| caption      = Edward in 2022
| alt          = Prince Edward at age 58
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1964|03|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[Buckingham Palace]], London, England
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh|Sophie Rhys-Jones]]|19 June 1999}}
| issue        = {{plain list|
* [[Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor]]
* [[James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex]]}}
| full name    = Edward Antony Richard Louis{{efn|Edward does not usually use a family name but when one is needed, it is [[Mountbatten-Windsor]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Royal Family name |work=Official website of the British monarchy|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheRoyalFamilyname/Overview.aspx|access-date=3 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215182305/http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheRoyalFamilyname/Overview.aspx|archive-date=15 February 2009}}</ref> The middle name Louis is pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|uː|i}}.|group= fn |name= sur}}
| house        = [[House of Windsor|Windsor]]<!--Don't add [[House of Glücksburg]] without prior discussion. See [[Talk:House of Windsor#SHSG Part II]]-->
| father       = [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]]
| mother       = [[Elizabeth II]]
| module       = {{infobox person | embed=yes
| alma_mater   = [[Jesus College, Cambridge]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| signature    =
}}
}}
{{British Royal Family}}

'''Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh''' (Edward Antony Richard Louis; born 10 March 1964)<ref name=Buck1>{{cite web|url= http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5561.asp|website=Official website of the British monarchy|title=TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex|publisher=Buckingham Palace|access-date=19 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308203311/http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5561.asp|archive-date=8 March 2008}}</ref> is a member of the [[British royal family]]. He is the youngest child of [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], and the youngest sibling of [[King Charles III]]. He was born third in the [[line of succession to the British throne]] and is now 15th.

Born at [[Buckingham Palace]] during the reign of his mother, Edward studied at [[Heatherdown School]] and completed his A-Levels at [[Gordonstoun]] before spending part of his [[gap year]] teaching at [[Wanganui Collegiate School]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince Edward in Whanganui – Private education |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/35034/prince-edward-in-whanganui |website=Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand |access-date=8 August 2023 |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225153/https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/35034/prince-edward-in-whanganui |url-status=live }}</ref> He then went up to read history at [[Jesus College, Cambridge]], graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts [[Academic degree|degree]] from the [[University of Cambridge]]. After a brief stint in the [[Royal Marines]], he worked as a theatre production assistant at the [[Really Useful Theatre Company]] before assisting in television production. He later formed his own company, Ardent Productions.

Edward stepped down from the company in 2002 to begin full-time duties as a working member of the [[British royal family|royal family]], and undertook engagements on behalf of his mother. He holds patronage with over 70 charities and organisations, including the [[National Youth Theatre]], the [[Sport and Recreation Alliance]] and the [[British Paralympic Association]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Earl of Wessex|date=13 November 2015|url=https://www.royal.uk/the-earl-of-wessex?page=1|publisher=The Royal Family|access-date=26 December 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117001536/https://www.royal.uk/the-earl-of-wessex?page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> His charity work focuses on [[the arts]], [[Sport of athletics|athletics]], and the development of the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award]], which centres on fitness, wellbeing and community service.

Edward was given the title of [[Earl of Wessex]] prior to [[Wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones|marrying]] [[Sophie Rhys-Jones]] in 1999. They have two children: [[Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor]] and [[James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex]]. Edward's mother conferred him the additional title of [[Earl of Forfar]] in 2019. On Edward's 59th birthday in 2023, his brother Charles III granted him the title [[Duke of Edinburgh]] as a [[life peerage]], a dukedom previously held by their father, who died in 2021, then briefly by Charles himself.

== Early life and education ==

[[File: Royal motorcade (8075978363).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|Princes [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Andrew]] and Edward with their parents, [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], at the opening of the [[1978 Commonwealth Games]] in Edmonton, Canada]]

Prince Edward was born at 20:20 ([[GMT]]) on 10 March 1964 at [[Buckingham Palace]], London,<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=43268|date=11 March 1964|page=2255}}</ref> as the third son and the fourth and youngest child of [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]]. He is the most recent child to be born to a reigning British monarch. His birth was the only one witnessed by his father.<ref name="Meares-Mar22">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/07/prince-edward-and-sophie-from-pr-blunders-to-frontline-royals/|title=How Prince Edward and Sophie Evolved From P.R. Blunders to Become Key Frontline Royals|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Hadley|last=Hall Meares|date=15 July 2021|accessdate=7 April 2022|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018121102/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/07/prince-edward-and-sophie-from-pr-blunders-to-frontline-royals|url-status=live}}</ref> He was [[infant baptism|baptised]] on 2 May 1964 in the private chapel at [[Windsor Castle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/prince-edward-christened-in-windsor-castle-rite.html|title=Prince Edward Christened in Windsor Castle Rite|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 May 1964|accessdate=17 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217142255/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/prince-edward-christened-in-windsor-castle-rite.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}</ref>

As with his three older siblings, [[Charles III|Charles]], [[Anne, Princess Royal|Anne]], and [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Andrew]], a [[governess]] was appointed to look after Edward and was responsible for his early education at Buckingham Palace before he attended [[Collingham College]], [[Kensington]] (then known as Gibbs School). In September 1972, he joined [[Heatherdown School]], near [[Ascot, Berkshire|Ascot]] in Berkshire. Later, as his father and elder brothers had done before him, he moved to [[Gordonstoun]] in [[northern Scotland]], where he was appointed [[head boy]] in his last term. Edward obtained a C-grade in English and two D-grades in history and politics at [[A-level]],<ref>{{cite news|title=The family qualifications|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=16 October 2006|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1531553/The-family-qualifications.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1531553/The-family-qualifications.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatler.com/gallery/how-the-royals-did-in-their-a-levels|title=How well did the Royal Family perform in their GCSEs and A-Levels?|work=Tatler|date=18 August 2022|accessdate=18 August 2022|archive-date=18 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818112427/https://www.tatler.com/gallery/how-the-royals-did-in-their-a-levels|url-status=live}}</ref> and after leaving school spent a [[gap year]] abroad, working as a house tutor and junior master for two terms at the [[Wanganui Collegiate School]] in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wanganui Collegiate School [Summary]|url=http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/9620|publisher=[[Heritage New Zealand]] |access-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130112439/http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/9620|archive-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Butterworth|first1=Hugh Montagu|last2=Cooksey|first2=Jon|title=Blood and Iron: Letters from the Western Front|date=2011|publisher=Casement|isbn=9781848844919|page=218|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JAlT5D703SAC&pg=PA218|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323130541/https://books.google.com/books?id=JAlT5D703SAC&pg=PA218|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Edward studied at [[Jesus College, Cambridge]], where he read history. His admission to the university despite poor A-Level results caused some comment.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=The prince with a difference|date=11 June 1999|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/royal_wedding/363894.stm|publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=7 February 2010|archive-date=27 February 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040227164451/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/royal_wedding/363894.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Edward graduated in 1986 with a [[Bachelor of Arts degree]] ([[British undergraduate degree classification|Lower Second Hons]]).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Waston|first1=Jeremy|title=William enjoys a degree of success|url=http://news.scotsman.com/news/William-enjoys-a-degree-of.2634447.jp|access-date=27 November 2020|newspaper=The Scotsman|date=3 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203030808/http://news.scotsman.com/news/William-enjoys-a-degree-of.2634447.jp|archive-date=3 December 2010}}</ref>

== Post-university ==

===Royal Marines===

After graduating in 1986, Edward joined the [[Royal Marines]], who had reportedly sponsored his tuition at Cambridge on condition of future service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/12/world/commando-life-losing-appeal-for-prince.html|title=Commando Life Losing Appeal for Prince?|website=The New York Times|date=12 January 1987|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831091610/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/12/world/commando-life-losing-appeal-for-prince.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}</ref> He had signed up to join the Royal Marines in September 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/6a617b746e07e6de56c528fbe8b4256b|title=Prince Breaks Royal Tradition by Resigning from Marines|work=AP News|first=Edith M.|last=Lederer|date=12 January 1987|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=18 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718025841/https://apnews.com/article/6a617b746e07e6de56c528fbe8b4256b|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1987, he dropped out of the commando course having completed one-third of the 12-month training. Media reported that Prince Philip, who was the [[Captain General Royal Marines]], was displeased,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20095504,00.html |title=Edward Goes His Own Way |date=26 January 1987 |work=People |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111201810/https://people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20095504,00.html |archive-date=11 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> but Prince Edward later said that his father had not put undue pressure on him to change his mind.<ref name=":0" /> Others stated that Philip was the most sympathetic family member toward his son's decision.<ref>{{cite book|first=Ingrid |last=Seward|title=My Husband and I: The Inside Story of 70 Years of the Royal Marriage|year=2017|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-1471159589|chapter=Chapter 9: Watching the Family Grow}}</ref> Buckingham Palace said that Edward's decision came after "much consideration" and that he was leaving with great regret "but has concluded that he does not wish to make the service his long-term career".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ezard |first=John |date=13 May 2016 |title=Edward leaves the Marines with honourable mention |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/13/prince-edward-leaves-marines-training-1987-archive |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518183809/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/13/prince-edward-leaves-marines-training-1987-archive |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Theatre and television===

After leaving military service, Edward opted to pursue a career in entertainment. He commissioned the 1986 musical ''[[Cricket (musical)|Cricket]]'' from [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]] and [[Tim Rice]], for his mother's 60th birthday celebration, which led to a job offer at Lloyd Webber's [[Really Useful Group|Really Useful Theatre Company]], where he worked as a production assistant on musicals such as ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'', ''[[Starlight Express]]'', and ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-01-19-ca-37020-story.html |title=Prince Edward Joins the Theater at 'Lowest Rung' |newspaper=LA Times |date=19 January 1988 |access-date=10 January 2014 |archive-date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609020703/http://articles.latimes.com/1988-01-19/entertainment/ca-37020_1_prince-edward-theater |url-status=live }}</ref> While there he met actress [[Ruthie Henshall]], whom he dated for three years.

Edward's first foray into television production was the programme ''[[The Grand Knockout Tournament]]'', informally known as ''It's a Royal Knockout'', on 15 June 1987, in which four teams sponsored by him, his siblings Anne and Andrew, and Andrew's wife [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Sarah]] competed for charity. The programme was criticised by the media and the public, and it was later reported that the Queen was not in favour of the event, with her courtiers having advised against it.<ref>Ben Pimlott [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/royals/readings/polish.html "Polishing Their Image"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235528/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/royals/readings/polish.html |date=10 August 2018 }}, extract from ''The Queen'', HarperCollins (1996) reprinted on the PBS Frontline webpage</ref> The programme raised over £1,500,000 for its selected charities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/was-this-the-day-when-royalty-lost-the-plot-1305932.html|title=Was this the day when royalty lost the plot?|work=The Independent|first=Daniel|last=Roseman|date=21 April 1996|accessdate=17 July 2022|archive-date=18 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718020635/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/was-this-the-day-when-royalty-lost-the-plot-1305932.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ardent Productions===

In 1993, Edward founded the television production company Ardent Productions.<ref name="Beckett">{{cite news|first=Andy|last=Beckett|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/mar/05/themonarchy.broadcasting|title=It's a royal cock-up|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London|date=5 March 2002|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214203816/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/mar/05/themonarchy.broadcasting|url-status=live}}</ref> Ardent was involved in the production of a number of documentaries and dramas,<ref name="BFI">[http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b98a73e44 Ardent Productions Filmography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928164247/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b98a73e44 |date=28 September 2020 }}, BFI Film & TV Database</ref> but Edward was accused in the media of using his royal connections for financial gain,<ref>{{cite news|first=Susan|last=Karlin|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-sep-26-ca-26454-story.html|title=Edward Windsor: Truly a Prince Among Producers|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=26 September 1998|access-date=9 November 2010|archive-date=15 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915152646/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/sep/26/entertainment/ca-26454|url-status=live}}</ref> and the company was referred to by some industry insiders as "a sad joke" due to a perceived lack of professionalism in its operations. [[Andy Beckett]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', opined that "to watch Ardent's few dozen hours of broadcast output is to enter a strange kingdom where every man in Britain still wears a tie, where pieces to camera are done in cricket jumpers, where people clasp their hands behind their backs like guardsmen. Commercial breaks are filled with army recruiting advertisements".<ref name="Beckett"/>

Ardent's productions were better received in the United States<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/436805.stm|title=Edward: No intention to offend|work=[[BBC News]] |date=2 September 1999|access-date=9 November 2010|archive-date=1 March 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030301024604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/436805.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and a documentary Edward made about his great-uncle [[Edward VIII]] (the late Duke of Windsor) in 1996 sold well worldwide.<ref name="BFI"/><ref>{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Summerskill|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2000/oct/29/broadcasting.society|title=Losses double at Prince's TV firm|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London|date=29 October 2000|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211449/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2000/oct/29/broadcasting.society|url-status=live}}</ref> Nonetheless, the company reported losses every year it operated, with the exception of one when Edward did not draw a salary.<ref name="Beckett"/> An Ardent two-man film crew later allegedly invaded the privacy of Edward's nephew, [[Prince William]], in September 2001, when he was studying at the [[University of St Andrews]], which went against industry guidelines regarding the privacy of members of the royal family;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1566416.stm|title=Edward's turbulent media career|work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 September 2001|access-date=9 November 2010|archive-date=18 June 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030618035038/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1566416.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> William's father (Edward's elder brother Charles) was reportedly angered by the incident.<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Alderson|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1358014/Prince-Edward-to-apologise-to-Queen-and-agrees-to-stop-making-royal-films.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1358014/Prince-Edward-to-apologise-to-Queen-and-agrees-to-stop-making-royal-films.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Prince Edward to apologise to Queen and agrees to stop making royal films|newspaper=The Sunday Telegraph|location=London|date=30 September 2001}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In March 2002, Edward announced that he would step down as production director and joint managing director of Ardent<ref name="Beckett"/> to concentrate on his public duties and to support the Queen during [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|her Golden Jubilee]] year. Ardent Productions was voluntarily dissolved in June 2009, with assets reduced to just £40.<ref>{{cite web |title = Prince Edward's Ardent Productions left with assets of just £40 |url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/7532309/Prince-Edwards-Ardent-Productions-left-with-assets-of-just-40.html |date = 12 September 2012 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120912194137/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/7532309/Prince-Edwards-Ardent-Productions-left-with-assets-of-just-40.html |archive-date = 12 September 2012 |access-date = 3 September 2020 |url-status = live |url-access = subscription}}</ref>

==Marriage and children==

{{main|Wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones}}

[[File:Prins Edward, earl av Wessex & Sophie, grevinna av Wessex -3.jpg|thumb|170px|Edward and Sophie in [[Stockholm]] for the [[wedding of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill]], 2013]]

Edward met [[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh|Sophie Rhys-Jones]] for the first time in 1987 when he was dating her friend.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1256202.stm|title=Sophie: Life in the spotlight|work=[[BBC News]] |date=2 April 2001|access-date=5 February 2017|archive-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206024258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1256202.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> They met again at a promotion shoot for the Prince Edward Summer Challenge to raise money for charity in 1993, and the two began their relationship soon afterwards.<ref name="Meares-Mar22"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/prince_edwards_wedding |title=History – Prince Edward's wedding (pictures, video, facts & news) |publisher=BBC |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-date=20 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120043112/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/events/prince_edwards_wedding |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 1993 and amid growing speculation about whether they were planning to marry, Edward wrote a letter to newspaper editors, in which he denied any wedding plans and asked the media to respect their privacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/12/21/UPI-Spotlight-Prince-Edward-asks-British-editors-to-respect-his-privacy/7328756450000/|title=Prince Edward asks British editors to respect his privacy|work=UPI|date=21 December 1993|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref> Edward proposed to Sophie on holiday in the Bahamas in December 1998 and their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999.<ref name="Meares-Mar22"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00g8ypy|title=Prince Edward announces his engagement|publisher=BBC|date=24 November 2009|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=15 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015234714/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00g8ypy|url-status=live}}</ref> Edward proposed to Sophie with an [[Asprey]] and [[Garrard & Co|Garrard]] engagement ring worth an estimated £105,000: a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://royalweddings.helloonline.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton/galeria/20100922403/kate-middleton/prince-william/rings/1/11/#ancla|title=Crown jewels: The fabulous rings which sealed the love of Europe's royal couples|newspaper=HELLO! magazine|location=UK|access-date=28 November 2012|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323130513/http://royalweddings.hellomagazine.com/prince-william-and-kate-middleton/galeria/20100922403/kate-middleton/prince-william/rings/1/11/#ancla|url-status=live}}</ref>

Their wedding took place on 19 June 1999 in [[St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle]]. This was a departure from the weddings of his elder brothers, which were large, formal events at [[Westminster Abbey]] or [[St Paul's Cathedral]], and had ended in divorce. On his wedding day, Prince Edward was created [[Earl of Wessex]], with the [[subsidiary title]] of [[Viscount Severn]] (alluding to the Welsh roots of the Countess's family),<ref name="gazette-1999">{{London Gazette |issue=55536 |date=28 June 1999 |page=7011 |nolink=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Wessex titles for Edward and Sophie| work=[[BBC News]]| date=19 June 1999| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/royal_wedding/373120.stm| access-date=3 May 2011| archive-date=6 August 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806214140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/06/99/royal_wedding/373120.stm| url-status=live}}</ref> breaking from a tradition whereby sons of the sovereign were created [[royal duke]]s.

Sophie had an [[ectopic pregnancy]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=6 May 2003 |title=Baby joy for Sophie and Edward |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3003397.stm |newspaper=[[BBC News]] |access-date=5 May 2015 |archive-date=5 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505062822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3003397.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Edward and Sophie have two children: [[Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor]], born prematurely on 8 November 2003 due to a sudden [[placental abruption]];<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/8/newsid_3724000/3724342.stm | title=Royal baby born prematurely | work=[[BBC News]] | date=8 November 2003 | access-date=11 May 2010 | archive-date=24 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224170030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/8/newsid_3724000/3724342.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[James Mountbatten-Windsor]] (then Viscount Severn, now Earl of Wessex), born on 17 December 2007. Edward's children since 2023 are [[Lady Louise Windsor#Titles and styles|styled as the children of a duke]], rather than as ''Prince/ss'' and ''Royal Highness''.<ref name="Buck1" /><ref>''[[Whitaker's Almanack]]'' 2010, page 46 'Peers of the Blood Royal'</ref><ref name=fam>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page5590.asp |title=The Royal Family > Members of the Royal Family > HRH The Earl of Wessex > Marriage and Family |publisher=Buckingham Palace |access-date=26 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021104848/http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page5590.asp |archive-date=21 October 2008 }}</ref> The family's [[country seat]] is [[Bagshot Park]]; their office and official London residence is at [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace|title=Royal Residences: Buckingham Palace|date=12 November 2015|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509132429/https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-buckingham-palace|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Activities==

[[File:Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex being received by a senior officer of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, on his arrival at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Edward visiting New Delhi as [[patron]] of the [[Commonwealth Games]] in 2010.]]

The Earl and Countess of Wessex established their foundation, the Wessex Youth Trust, in 1999, with a focus on helping, supporting and advancing registered charities which provide opportunities specifically for children and young people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wessexyouthtrust.org.uk/|title=The Wessex Youth Trust|publisher=wessexyouthtrust.org.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122013330/https://wessexyouthtrust.org.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> His patronages include: the [[British Paralympic Association]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201209069223/prince-edward-sophie-paralympic-ball/|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex toast athletes' success at Paralympic Ball|publisher=Hello!|date=6 September 2012|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527120840/https://us.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201209069223/prince-edward-sophie-paralympic-ball/|url-status=live}}</ref> the International Real Tennis Professionals Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hobarttennis.com.au/2018/02/25/the-2018-real-tennis-challenge-formal-dinner/|title=The 2018 Real Tennis Challenge Formal Dinner|publisher=Hobart Real Tennis Club|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226200317/https://hobarttennis.com.au/2018/02/25/the-2018-real-tennis-challenge-formal-dinner/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Commonwealth Games Federation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commonwealthgames.ca/news/hrh-prince-edward-attend-inaugural-commonwealth-sports-summit.html|title=HRH Prince Edward to attend inaugural Commonwealth Sports Summit|publisher=Common Wealth Games Canada|date=8 September 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201840/http://www.commonwealthgames.ca/news/hrh-prince-edward-attend-inaugural-commonwealth-sports-summit.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/13/battle-britain-may-vs-sturgeon-pictures/commonwealth-games-federation-accompanied-royal-highness-prince/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/13/battle-britain-may-vs-sturgeon-pictures/commonwealth-games-federation-accompanied-royal-highness-prince/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The Battle for Britain: May vs Sturgeon, in pictures|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 March 2017|access-date=26 May 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[BadmintonScotland]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/article/4676/Royal-honour-for-school-sports-stars|title=Royal honour for school sports stars|publisher=East Renfrewshire Council|date=2 December 2013|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818115234/http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/article/4676/Royal-honour-for-school-sports-stars|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[Tennis and Rackets Association]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/10/who-is-the-biggest-name|title=For a Real Tennis Match, Look to Prince Edward|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=James|last=Zug|date=October 2009|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=13 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713232443/http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/10/who-is-the-biggest-name|url-status=live}}</ref> City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/royal-birmingham-conservatoires-opening-concert-a-right-royal-sell-out|title=Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's opening concert a right Royal sell out|publisher=Birmingham City University|date=13 March 2018|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201734/https://www.bcu.ac.uk/news-events/news/royal-birmingham-conservatoires-opening-concert-a-right-royal-sell-out|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cbso.co.uk/news/mirga-meets-our-royal-patron|title=Mirga meets our Royal patron|publisher=City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra|date=16 June 2017|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228155430/https://cbso.co.uk/news/mirga-meets-our-royal-patron|url-status=live}}</ref> [[London Mozart Players]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/prince-edward-visits-croydon-for-london-mozart-players-anniversary-concert/|title=Prince Edward visits Croydon for London Mozart Players' anniversary concert|publisher=South West Londoner|first=Rachel|last=Barr|date=21 March 2014|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=22 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622150614/http://www.swlondoner.co.uk/prince-edward-visits-croydon-for-london-mozart-players-anniversary-concert/|url-status=live}}</ref> Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hhcos.org.uk/hhcos/about-us/our-history/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315194423/http://hhcos.org.uk/hhcos/about-us/our-history/|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 March 2017|title=Our History|publisher=Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society|access-date=26 May 2018}}</ref> [[Northern Ballet]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://northernballet.com/royal-connexions|title=Royal Connections|publisher=Northern Ballet|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201648/https://northernballet.com/royal-connexions|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://northernballet.com/blogs/northern-ballet/11-09-30/a-prince-of-england-meets-the-queen-of-the-nile|title=A Prince of England meets the Queen of the Nile|publisher=Northern Ballet|date=30 September 2011|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201542/https://northernballet.com/blogs/northern-ballet/11-09-30/a-prince-of-england-meets-the-queen-of-the-nile|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Edinburgh International Festival]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/prince-edward-takes-up-the-baton-as-edinburgh-festival-patron-tlsr787jp|title=Prince takes up the baton as festival patron|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=12 July 2017|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201523/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-edward-takes-up-the-baton-as-edinburgh-festival-patron-tlsr787jp|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> the [[Royal Birmingham Conservatoire]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/earl-countess-wessex/earl-of-wessex-attends-concert-with-julian-lloyd-webber-at-birmingham-conservatoire/ |title=Earl of Wessex attends concert with Julian Lloyd Webber at Birmingham Conservatoire • The Crown Chronicles |date=12 March 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818120325/https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/earl-countess-wessex/earl-of-wessex-attends-concert-with-julian-lloyd-webber-at-birmingham-conservatoire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Production Guild,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/biz/global/prince-edward-earl-of-wessex-becomes-first-ever-royal-patron-of-u-k-s-production-guild-1235211232/|title=Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex Becomes First Ever Royal patron of U.K.'s Production Guild|work=Variety|first=K.J.|last=Yossman|date=22 March 2022|accessdate=22 March 2022|archive-date=22 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322144923/https://variety.com/2022/biz/global/prince-edward-earl-of-wessex-becomes-first-ever-royal-patron-of-u-k-s-production-guild-1235211232/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[National Youth Theatre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-edward-joins-bridgertons-duke-of-hastings-on-the-dance-floor-at-theatre-fundraiser|title=Prince Edward joins Bridgerton's Duke of Hastings on the dance floor at theatre fundraiser|work=Tatler|first=Dora|last=Davies-Evitt|date=1 March 2022|accessdate=11 March 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030149/https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-edward-joins-bridgertons-duke-of-hastings-on-the-dance-floor-at-theatre-fundraiser|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Earl of Wessex assumed many duties from his father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as Prince Philip reduced his commitments before retiring from royal duties. Prince Edward opened the [[1990 Commonwealth Games]] in New Zealand and the [[1998 Commonwealth Games]] in Malaysia and became vice-patron of [[Commonwealth Games Federation]] in 2006, picking up his father's ceremonial duties who had served as president.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thecgf.com/games/cgf_heads.asp|title=Commonwealth Games Federation – Heads|website=thecgf.com|access-date=15 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416044550/http://thecgf.com/games/cgf_heads.asp|archive-date=16 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thecgf.com/stories/queen-and-commonwealth-games|title=The Queen and the Commonwealth Games|work=CGF|first=Philip|last=Barker|accessdate=31 January 2023|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201021643/https://thecgf.com/stories/queen-and-commonwealth-games|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has also taken over his father's role in the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award]] (DofE) scheme, attending Gold Award ceremonies around the world.<ref>{{cite web |title = The Duke of Edinburgh's Award |url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheEarlofWessex/TheDukeofEdinburghsAward.aspx |work = Royal family |access-date = 29 August 2013 |archive-date = 30 June 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130630050257/https://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheEarlofWessex/TheDukeofEdinburghsAward.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref>

In September 2007, the Earl visited Israel in his capacity as Chairman of the International Council of the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award]] to attend a number of events organised by the Israel Youth Award program, an affiliate of the [[Duke of Edinburgh's Award]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Prince-Edward-to-arrive-today-1st-royal-visit-in-decade|title=Prince Edward to arrive today; 1st royal visit in decade|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|first=Etgar|last=Lefkovits|date=4 September 2007|access-date=25 May 2018|archive-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526190013/https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Prince-Edward-to-arrive-today-1st-royal-visit-in-decade|url-status=live}}</ref> Edward was himself a recipient of the Award's gold medal in 1986 for "a 60-mile, four-day trek from [[Blair Atholl]] to [[Tomintoul]]" that he had planned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/prince-philip-celebrating-ninety-years/windsor-castle-drawings-gallery/the-duke-of-edinburgh-presenting-prince-edward-with-his-gold-award|title=The Duke of Edinburgh presenting Prince Edward with his Gold Award 1986|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527203357/https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/prince-philip-celebrating-ninety-years/windsor-castle-drawings-gallery/the-duke-of-edinburgh-presenting-prince-edward-with-his-gold-award|url-status=live}}</ref> He has been a trustee of the DofE since 1988 and of the International Award since 2006. Edward later went on to become Chair of trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intaward.org/news/hrh-duke-edinburgh|title=HRH The Duke of Edinburgh|publisher=The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award|date=4 May 2017|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820105615/https://www.intaward.org/news/hrh-duke-edinburgh|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was named patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-64955769|title=Duke of Edinburgh: Prince Edward in first visit as award patron|work=[[BBC News]] |first1=Will|last1=Jefford|first2=Rachel|last2=Royce|date=14 March 2023|accessdate=14 March 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614114541/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-64955769|url-status=live}}</ref> He has promoted the charity's work on different occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/earl-wessex-duke-edinburghs-award-11958049|title=The Earl of Wessex on why the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is good for business|publisher=Wales Online|first=Sion|last=Barry|date=29 September 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201532/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/earl-wessex-duke-edinburghs-award-11958049|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/prince-edward-speaks-at-duke-of-edinburgh-s-international-award-ceremony-1.3647817|title=Prince Edward speaks at Duke of Edinburgh's International Award ceremony|publisher=CBC News|date=22 June 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170955/https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/710635075902|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/prince-edward-visits-tennessee-to-promote-duke-of-edinburgh-s/article_7a2225c9-8d6a-5038-a435-055c068e955e.html|title=Prince Edward visits Tennessee to promote Duke of Edinburgh's Award|work=The Daily Times|first=Erik|last=Schelzig|date=23 May 2013|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228155431/https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/prince-edward-visits-tennessee-to-promote-duke-of-edinburgh-s/article_7a2225c9-8d6a-5038-a435-055c068e955e.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.hackney.gov.uk/the-duke-of-edinburghs-award-diamond-anniversary-royally-celebrated-in-hackney/|title=The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Anniversary royally celebrated in Hackney|publisher=Hackney Council|date=11 November 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201338/http://news.hackney.gov.uk/the-duke-of-edinburghs-award-diamond-anniversary-royally-celebrated-in-hackney/|url-status=live}}</ref> Edward is also a trustee of the International Award Association, which "encompasses the DofE UK and all its other 61 National Award Authorities across the globe".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brightfuturetrust.org.uk/the-duke-of-edinburgh-award-international-association/|title=The Duke of Edinburgh Award International Association|publisher=Bright Future Trust|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228155434/http://www.brightfuturetrust.org.uk/the-duke-of-edinburgh-award-international-association/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was also Chairman of the DofE's international council and in 1999 founded the International Special Projects Group "to provide a capital fund to broaden the reach of the Award".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jis.gov.jm/government/visits/earl-countess-wessex-visit-jamaica/|title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex to Visit Jamaica [March 2014]|publisher=Jamaica Information Service|year=2014|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427125917/http://jis.gov.jm/government/visits/earl-countess-wessex-visit-jamaica/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Edward, as patron of the Tennis and Rackets Association, played on all 50 real tennis courts around the world and raised over £2 million for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennisandrackets.com/news/farewell-hrh-prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh|title=Farewell HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|work=Tennis and Rackets Association|date=9 April 2021|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603172714/https://www.tennisandrackets.com/news/farewell-hrh-prince-philip-duke-of-edinburgh|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The Earl of Wessex in 2011.jpg|thumb|200px|Edward opening a youth centre at [[Yate]], Gloucestershire, in 2011]]

In June 2011, Edward visited [[Baltimore]] to meet the students and staff of the Living Classrooms Foundation and encourage them to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-md-ci-prince-edward-visit-20110621-story.html|title=Prince Edward presents city's youth a royal challenge|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|first=Erica|last=Green|date=21 June 2011|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228155436/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-md-ci-prince-edward-visit-20110621-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2011, the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited troops in Afghanistan. On the same trip, the royal couple visited [[Bahrain]], and received two gifts of jewels from the [[Bahraini royal family]] and [[Prime Minister of Bahrain|Prime Minister]]. Given concern about human rights abuses in Bahrain, this gift attracted controversy, with calls for the jewels to be sold, and the proceeds used for the benefit of the [[Economy of Bahrain|Bahraini people]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8999872/How-a-routine-royal-visit-spelt-trouble-for-the-Countess-of-Wessex.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8999872/How-a-routine-royal-visit-spelt-trouble-for-the-Countess-of-Wessex.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Patrick | last=Sawer | title=How a routine royal visit spelt trouble for the Countess of Wessex | date=8 January 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In February and March 2012, the couple visited the Caribbean for the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]]. The itinerary consisted of [[Saint Lucia]]; [[Barbados]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]; [[Grenada]]; [[Trinidad and Tobago]]; [[Montserrat]]; [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]]; [[Anguilla]]; [[Antigua and Barbuda]]. Highlights included Independence Day celebrations in Saint Lucia,<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.thedominican.net/2012/02/royals-to-begin-visit.html|title= Royals to begin Caribbean tour bypasses Dominica|date= 16 February 2012|newspaper= The Dominican|access-date= 19 February 2012|archive-date= 3 December 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203072813/http://www.thedominican.net/2012/02/royals-to-begin-visit.html|url-status= live}}</ref> addressing [[Parliament of Barbados|Senate and Assembly of Barbados]] jointly,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.bajansunonline.com/barbados-royal-visit-to-mark-queens-diamond-jubilee/ |first= Sharon |last= Lynch |title= Barbados: Royal Visit To Mark Queen's Diamond Jubilee |date= 27 January 2012 |newspaper= Bajan Sun Online |access-date= 6 February 2012 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120719162855/http://www.bajansunonline.com/barbados-royal-visit-to-mark-queens-diamond-jubilee/ |archive-date= 19 July 2012 }}</ref> and a visit to sites affected by the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat.

In 2013, the couple visited South Africa.<ref name="Tel-2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10469258/Sophie-Wessex-The-unsung-star-of-the-Royal-family.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/10469258/Sophie-Wessex-The-unsung-star-of-the-Royal-family.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sophie Wessex: The unsung star of the Royal family|newspaper=The Telegraph|first=Ingrid|last=Seward|date=23 November 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Queen appointed the Earl of Wessex as [[Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]] for 2014.<ref name="Government">{{Citation | year = 2014 | title = The Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | publisher = Government | url = https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-lord-high-commissioner-to-the-general-assembly-of-the-church-of-scotland-2014 | access-date = 21 January 2014 | archive-date = 20 November 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131120031624/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-lord-high-commissioner-to-the-general-assembly-of-the-church-of-scotland-2014 | url-status = live }}.</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Edinburgh Gazette |issue=27354 |date=17 January 2014 |page=65 |city=e }}</ref> In 2015, for his contributions to projects associated with badminton, Edward was awarded the President's Medal by the [[Badminton World Federation]] President [[Poul-Erik Høyer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.badmintonscotland.org.uk/news/2015/november/badmintonscotland-patron-hrh-the-earl-of-wessex-honoured-with-bwf-presidents-medal/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201631/http://www.badmintonscotland.org.uk/news/2015/november/badmintonscotland-patron-hrh-the-earl-of-wessex-honoured-with-bwf-presidents-medal/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 May 2018|title=BADMINTON: Scotland patron, HRH The Earl of Wessex honoured with BWF President's Medal|publisher=Badminton Scotland|date=November 2015|access-date=26 May 2018}} </ref> In May 2016, the Earl visited [[Ghana]]. Alongside President Mahama, he presented young people with the Head of State Awards for their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-edward-to-visit-ghana-2|title=Prince Edward to visit Ghana|publisher=Gov.uk|date=20 May 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201444/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-edward-to-visit-ghana-2|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2016, Edward travelled to Chile as a part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's diamond anniversary, and visited projects by British and Commonwealth Fire and Rescue Company and Chilean-British Culture University, of which he is an honorary member and patron respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/youth-community-and-service-visit-by-hrh-prince-edward-to-chile|title=Youth, Community and Service; Visit by HRH Prince Edward to Chile|publisher=Gov.uk|date=22 September 2016|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201338/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/youth-community-and-service-visit-by-hrh-prince-edward-to-chile|url-status=live}}</ref> The Earl and Countess of Wessex represented the Queen at the [[50th Anniversary Celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's Accession to the Throne of Brunei]] in October 2017.<ref name="thecrownchronicles.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/edward-sophie-attend-sultan-bruneis-golden-jubilee-celebrations/|title=Edward & Sophie attend Sultan of Brunei's Golden Jubilee celebrations|date=5 October 2017|publisher=thecrownchronicles.co.uk|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511082012/https://www.thecrownchronicles.co.uk/royal-news/edward-sophie-attend-sultan-bruneis-golden-jubilee-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2018, the Earl and Countess toured [[Sri Lanka]], participating in the 70th Independence Day celebrations in [[Colombo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-commemorate-sri-lankas-70th-anniversary-independence|title=The Earl and Countess of Wessex commemorate Sri Lanka's 70th Anniversary of Independence|date=7 February 2018|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207143222/https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-wessex-commemorate-sri-lankas-70th-anniversary-independence|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ft.lk/news/Foreign-invitees-to-Independence-Day-Anniversary-celebrations-call-on-President/56-648838 |title=Foreign invitees to Independence Day Anniversary celebrations call on President |access-date=26 May 2018 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170948/https://www.ft.lk/news/Foreign-invitees-to-Independence-Day-Anniversary-celebrations-call-on-President/56-648838 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2018, the Earl visited Australia to attend the [[XXI Commonwealth Games]] and attend fundraising events for those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award challenges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/prince-edward-in-town-to-promote-duke-of-edinburghs-international-awards/news-story/d69d1e60ba09909e9e3e305ef1fc5896|title=Prince Edward in town to promote Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards|work=themercury |publisher=The Mercury|date=2 April 2018|access-date=26 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/prince-edward-arrives-in-melbourne-for-duke-of-edinburgh-international-awards-ceremony/news-story/74a8ec19c7c6b54b0b2999567a3c03cb|title=Prince Edward arrives in Melbourne for Duke of Edinburgh International Awards ceremony|publisher=The Weekend Australian|first=Samantha|last=Hutchinson|date=6 April 2018|access-date=26 May 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Earl of Wessex visit Twelve25.jpg|thumb|left|Edward visiting a youth theatre programme in [[Salisbury, South Australia|Salisbury, Australia]]]]

Twenty years after its inception, the Wessex Youth Trust changed its name to the Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, managed by the [[Private office (official)|private office]] of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar. The [[Charitable organization|trust]] will continue to develop sustainable relationships with a range of selected partner charities, and will expand its remit beyond supporting children and young people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wessexyouthtrust.org.uk/index.php|title=Changes to The Wessex Youth Trust|publisher=wessexyouthtrust.org.uk|access-date=6 July 2019|archive-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706091143/https://wessexyouthtrust.org.uk/index.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2019, the Earl and Countess visited [[Forfar]] on their first official visit to the royal burgh since the Queen granted Prince Edward the additional title [[Earl of Forfar]] in March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-forfar-visit-forfar|title=The Earl and Countess of Forfar visit Forfar|date=July 2019|publisher=royal.uk|access-date=1 July 2019|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104134723/https://www.royal.uk/earl-and-countess-forfar-visit-forfar|url-status=live}}</ref> The Earl was presented with 'Earl of Forfar' [[tartan]], which was designed by Forfar's Strathmore Woollen Company to celebrate their new titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/angus-mearns/926177/video-honour-to-be-named-earl-of-forfar-says-prince-edward-as-town-welcomes-him-with-bridies-tartan-and-fiddles/|title=VIDEO: 'Honour' to be named Earl of Forfar says Prince Edward as town welcomes him with bridies, tartan and fiddles|date=2 July 2019 |publisher=thecourier.co.uk|access-date=2 July 2019|archive-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702151131/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/angus-mearns/926177/video-honour-to-be-named-earl-of-forfar-says-prince-edward-as-town-welcomes-him-with-bridies-tartan-and-fiddles/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=RoyalFamily|author=The Royal Family|number=1145699686654853131|date=1 July 2019|title=His Royal Highness is presented with 'Earl of Forfar' tartan, which has been designed for Their Royal Highnesses to celebrate their new titles.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=12595|title=Tartan Details - Earl of Forfar, The|publisher=tartanregister.gov.uk|access-date=31 October 2019|archive-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414162641/https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=12595|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, he took over the patronage of [[London Youth]] from his father who had held the position for 73 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://londonyouth.org/staff/hrh-the-earl-of-wessex/|title=HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex|work=London Youth|accessdate=2 April 2022|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125082150/https://londonyouth.org/staff/hrh-the-earl-of-wessex/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2022, Edward was appointed president of the [[Royal Windsor Horse Show]], a position previously held by his father [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-edward-is-following-in-his-fathers-footsteps-with-a-new-role|title=Prince Edward is following in his father's footsteps with a new role|work=Tatler|first=Dora|last=Davies-Evitt|date=24 February 2022|accessdate=24 February 2022|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224224817/https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-edward-is-following-in-his-fathers-footsteps-with-a-new-role|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following month, he visited Kenya to oversee the progress of [[the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award]] in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://african.business/2022/03/apo-newsfeed/president-kenyatta-holds-talks-with-his-royal-highness-prince-edward/|title=President Kenyatta Holds Talks With His Royal Highness Prince Edward|work=African Business|date=17 March 2022|accessdate=18 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317150734/https://african.business/2022/03/apo-newsfeed/president-kenyatta-holds-talks-with-his-royal-highness-prince-edward/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2022, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar toured Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda to mark the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Platinum Jubilee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/04/23/earl-countess-wessex-met-protests-second-leg-caribbean-tour/|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex met by protests on second leg of Caribbean tour|work=The Telegraph|first=Patrick|last=Sawer|date=23 April 2022|accessdate=24 April 2022|archive-date=23 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423205512/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/04/23/earl-countess-wessex-met-protests-second-leg-caribbean-tour/|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Their planned visit to Grenada was postponed after talks with the [[Politics of Grenada|island's government]] and [[Governor-General of Grenada|governor-general]], and the couple expressed their hopes to visit the country on a later date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61183853|title=Earl and Countess of Wessex: Prince Edward and Sophie postpone Grenada trip|work=BBC|first=Charley|last=Adams|date=22 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170950/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61183853|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022 and in recognition of his role as patron of the Production Guild, the Earl of Wessex Award was created as part of the Guild's inaugural Talent Showcase to recognise UK film and TV organisations who have created "a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/prince-edward-present-u-k-production-guild-award-1235494741/|title=Prince Edward to Present U.K. Production Guild Award|work=Variety|first=K. J.|last=Yossman|date=19 January 2023|accessdate=19 January 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326030755/https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/prince-edward-present-u-k-production-guild-award-1235494741/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/prince-edward-pggb-pingyao-awards-yeti-television-simon-greenwood-1235227436/|title=Prince Edward To Present New Production Guild Of Great Britain Prize; Pingyao Film Festival Post Awards & Yeti Television Hires Simon Greenwood – Global Briefs|work=Deadline|first=Melanie|last=Goodfellow|date=19 January 2023|accessdate=19 January 2023|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326081346/https://deadline.com/2023/01/prince-edward-pggb-pingyao-awards-yeti-television-simon-greenwood-1235227436/|url-status=live}}</ref> After he was created [[Duke of Edinburgh]] on his 59th birthday, Edward and Sophie visited [[Edinburgh]] to meet with members of the Ukrainian and Eastern European communities in the city, some of whom were displaced following the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-edward-sophie-visit-scotland-duke-duchess-edinburgh-new-royal-titles/|title=Prince Edward and Sophie Step Out in Scotland as the New Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh|work=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=10 March 2023|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927133819/https://people.com/royals/prince-edward-sophie-visit-scotland-duke-duchess-edinburgh-new-royal-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> Edward became patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award upon being raised to the dukedom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-64955769|title=Duke of Edinburgh: Prince Edward in first visit as award patron|work=[[BBC News]] |first=Will Jeefford|last=Rachel Joyce|date=14 March 2023|accessdate=15 March 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614114541/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-64955769|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, he served as [[Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Appointment of the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 2024 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/appointment-of-the-lord-high-commissioner-to-the-general-assembly-of-the-church-of-scotland-2024 |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scotland |first=The Church of |date=2024-03-10 |title=Duke of Edinburgh appointed as Lord High Commissioner to the 2024 General Assembly |url=https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/news-and-events/news/archive/2024/duke-of-edinburgh-appointed-as-lord-high-commissioner-to-the-2024-general-assembly |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=The Church of Scotland |language=en}}</ref> succeeded in the role the following year by [[Elish Angiolini|Lady Elish Angiolini]].

==In the media==
In 1999, Edward was criticised by Labour [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MPs]] [[John Cryer]] and [[Lindsay Hoyle]] for comments he made during an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'', in which he stated that in Britain "They hate anyone who succeeds" and "America is where the money is".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/436057.stm|title=Edward: British media hates success|work=[[BBC News]] |date=2 September 1999|access-date=24 February 2024|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108000835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/436057.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Independent-Sep99">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/lossmaking-earl-says-uk-hates-success-says-edward-1115700.html|title=Loss-making Earl says UK hates success says Edward|work=The Independent|first=Steve|last=Boggan|date=2 September 1999|access-date=24 February 2024|archive-date=25 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225030127/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/lossmaking-earl-says-uk-hates-success-says-edward-1115700.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The criticism prompted him to issue a statement, clarifying "that offending the British public was the very last thing I would have wanted to do".<ref name="Independent-Sep99"/>

In 2011, close associates of [[Jonathan Rees]], a private investigator connected to the [[News International phone hacking scandal|''News International'' phone hacking scandal]], stated that he had penetrated Edward and Sophie's bank accounts and sold details about them to the ''[[Sunday Mirror]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davies|first=Nick|title=Phone-hacking scandal widens to include Kate Middleton and Tony Blair|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/08/phone-hacking-kate-middleton-tony-blair|accessdate=19 December 2022|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=8 June 2011|archive-date=13 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813141238/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/08/phone-hacking-kate-middleton-tony-blair|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Titles, styles, honours and arms==
{{Main|List of titles and honours of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh}}
[[File:Royal Monogram of Prince Edward of Great Britain.svg|thumb|right|130px|[[Royal cypher|Royal monogram]] of Prince Edward]]

===Titles and styles===
Until his marriage, Edward was known as "His Royal Highness The Prince Edward". On 19 June 1999, he became "His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex". Buckingham Palace announced the intention that Edward would eventually be created [[Duke of Edinburgh]], a title then held by his father, Prince Philip, once it had [[merged in the Crown]] upon the death of both his parents.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheEarlofWessex/Stylesandtitles.aspx | title = The Earl of Wessex - Styles and titles | publisher = The Royal Family | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904051612/http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheEarlofWessex/Stylesandtitles.aspx |archive-date=4 September 2014}}.</ref> On 10 March 2019, his 55th birthday, Edward was granted the additional title of [[Earl of Forfar]] for use in [[Scotland]].<ref name=forfar>{{Cite web | url = https://www.royal.uk/title-earl-wessex | title = Title for the Earl of Wessex | date = 10 March 2019 | publisher = The Royal Family | access-date = 10 March 2019 | archive-date = 9 September 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170952/https://www.royal.uk/new-title-earl-wessex | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="gazette2019">{{London Gazette |issue=62588 |date=15 March 2019 | page=4737 |endpage= |supp=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/lifestyleroyals/the-queen-gives-prince-edward-an-incredible-gift-on-his-birthday/ar-BBUC7fH?ocid=spartandhp |title=The Queen gives Prince Edward an incredible gift on his birthday |first=Hollie |last=Richardson |work=[[Hello! (magazine)|Hello!]] |publisher=[[MSN|msn Lifestyle]] |date=10 March 2019 |access-date=10 March 2019 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909170950/https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/lifestyleroyals/the-queen-gives-prince-edward-an-incredible-gift-on-his-birthday/ar-BBUC7fH?ocid=spartandhp |url-status=live }}</ref> On his 59th birthday, 10 March 2023, Edward was created Duke of Edinburgh, thus becoming "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh".<ref>{{cite news|title=The Crown Office|url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4306002|access-date=15 March 2023|work=The London Gazette|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825104525/https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4306002|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/dukedom-edinburgh|title=The King confers The Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward|work=The Royal Family|date=9 March 2023|accessdate=10 March 2023|archive-date=10 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310120219/https://www.royal.uk/dukedom-edinburgh|url-status=dead}}</ref> His [[Peerages in the United Kingdom|ducal title]] is not hereditary, so it will revert to the crown on his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/03/10/prince-edward-new-duke-edinburgh-title-palace-process/|title=Prince Edward may have the Duke of Edinburgh title – but getting it wasn't easy|work=The Telegraph|first=Camilla|last=Tominey|date=10 March 2023|accessdate=10 March 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=15 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615081916/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/03/10/prince-edward-new-duke-edinburgh-title-palace-process/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, the [[Independent Royalist Party of Estonia]], aspiring to make Estonia a monarchy, sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II requesting permission to crown Prince Edward as King of Estonia. The letter had called Edward a "young British prince much admired by Estonians", adding the party "would be most honoured if you would accept this rare request". Buckingham Palace declined the offer, saying that it was "a charming idea but a rather unlikely one".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/prince-edward-asked-king-estonia-23354994|title=Prince Edward was asked to be King of Estonia|work=WalesOnline|date=10 March 2022|access-date=27 August 2023|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827195211/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/prince-edward-asked-king-estonia-23354994|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://estonianworld.com/life/britains-prince-edward-was-asked-to-become-the-king-of-estonia/|title=Britain's Prince Edward was asked to become the king of Estonia|date=31 October 2021|work=Estonian World|access-date=27 August 2023|archive-date=23 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223132832/https://estonianworld.com/life/britains-prince-edward-was-asked-to-become-the-king-of-estonia/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Honours===
Edward is a Royal Knight Companion of the [[Most Noble Order of the Garter]],<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Appointments to the Order of the Garter 2006 |date=23 April 2006 |publisher=Official website of the Royal Family |url=https://www.royal.uk/appointments-order-garter-2006 |access-date=11 March 2017 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312062551/https://www.royal.uk/appointments-order-garter-2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> an Extra Knight of the [[Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle]],<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=64354|page=6066|date=26 March 2024}}</ref> a Knight Grand Cross of the [[Royal Victorian Order]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=59724 |date=11 March 2011 |page=4555 |nolink=yes }}</ref> and a [[Personal Aide-de-Camp]] to the Sovereign.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/492922-prince-william-and-prince-edward-flaunt-new-roles-given-by-king-charles|title=Prince William and Prince Edward flaunt new roles given by King Charles|date = 13 June 2023 | access-date = 13 June 2023 | work = Geo News}}</ref> In 2013 Edward received a Honorary Doctorate from the [[University of Bath]].

===Arms===
{{Infobox COA wide
|name           = the Duke of Edinburgh
|image          = Coat of Arms of Edward, Earl of Wessex.svg
|bannerimage    = Royal Standard of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.svg
|badgeimage     =
|notes          = The Duke's personal [[coat of arms]] is that of the [[royal arms]] with a [[Label (heraldry)|label]] for [[Cadency|difference]]
|year_adopted   = 1983
|coronet        = That of a son of the Sovereign
|crest          = The [[Coronet]] of a son of a Sovereign Proper, thereon a Lion statant gardant Or crowned of the Same  charged with a Label as in the Arms.
|torse          =
|helm           = 
|escutcheon     = [[Quartering (heraldry)|Quarterly]], 1st and 4th, Gules three Lions passant guardant in pale Or armed and langed Azure; 2nd, Or a Lion rampant Gules armed and langued Azure within a Double Tressure flory counterflory of the Second; 3rd, Azure a Harp Or stringed Argent; over all a Label Argent, charged on the centre point with a Tudor Rose.
|supporters     = Dexter, a Lion rampant gardant Or imperially crowned Proper; Sinister, a Unicorn Argent, armed, crined and unguled Or, gorged with a Coronet Or composed of Crosses pattées and Fleurs de lis a Chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back also Or.
|compartment    =
|motto          = 
|orders         = The [[Order of the Garter|Garter]] [[circlet]];<br>motto: '''''[[Honi soit qui mal y pense]]''''' ''(Shame be to him who thinks evil of it)''.
|other_elements = As [[Master craftsman|Master]] of the [[Worshipful Company of Gardeners|Gardeners']] and [[Worshipful Company of Fuellers|Fuellers' Companies]], Prince Edward could [[Impalement (heraldry)|impale]] his [[livery company]] [[Coat of arms|arms]] (dexter) with his [[Escutcheon (heraldry)|personal arms]] (sinister).
|banner         = The [[Royal Standard of the United Kingdom]] labelled for difference as in his Arms.<br />[[File:Royal Standard of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (in Scotland).svg|50px]] The Royal Standard in Scotland labelled for difference as in his Arms.<br />[[File:Royal Standard of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (in Canada).svg|border|50px]] The [[Royal Arms of Canada]] defaced with a blue [[roundel (heraldry)|Roundel]] surrounded by a Wreath of Gold Maple Leaves within which is a depiction of an ''"E"'' surmounted by a Royal Coronet, and above the Roundel is a white Label of three points, the centre one charged with a Tudor Rose.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canadian Flags of the Royal Family|url=http://canadiancrown.gc.ca/eng/1396525887776|website=Canadian Crown|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=4 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102234745/http://canadiancrown.gc.ca/eng/1396525887776|archive-date=2 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://reg.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=2531 | title=The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex | publisher=Office of the Governor General of Canada: Canadian Heraldic Authority | work=Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges | access-date=4 January 2016 | archive-date=24 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124034852/https://reg.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project.asp?ProjectID=2531&lang=e | url-status=live }}</ref>
|badge          =
|symbolism      = As with the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, the first and fourth quarterings are the arms of England, the second of Scotland and the third of Ireland.|other_versions=[[File:Coat of Arms of Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (Scotland).svg|right|100px]] Scottish version of the Duke's arms as a Knight of the [[Order of the Thistle]].}}

==Ancestry==

{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center |ref=<ref>{{Cite book |last=Paget |first=Gerald|title=The Lineage and Ancestry of H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales ''(2 vols)'' |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Charles Skilton |year=1977 |isbn=978-0-284-40016-1}}</ref>
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|1= 1. '''Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh'''
|2= 2. [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]]
|3= 3. [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom]]
|4= 4. [[Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark]]
|5= 5. [[Princess Alice of Battenberg]]
|6= 6. [[George VI of the United Kingdom]]
|7= 7. [[Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon]]
|8= 8. [[George I of Greece]]
|9= 9. [[Grand Duchess Olga Constantinovna of Russia]]
|10= 10. [[Prince Louis of Battenberg]]
|11= 11. [[Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine]]
|12= 12. [[George V of the United Kingdom]]
|13= 13. [[Princess Victoria Mary of Teck]]
|14= 14. [[Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne]]
|15= 15. [[Cecilia Cavendish-Bentinck]]
}}

==Filmography==

{| class=wikitable
|+ Television
! Year !! Title !! Role
|-
| 1996 || ''Edward on Edward'' || host, associate producer
|-
| 1996 || ''Castle Ghosts of Scotland'' || executive producer
|-
| 1996 || ''Castle Ghosts of Ireland'' || executive producer
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Network First]]'' || producer (1 episode)
|-
| 1998 || ''Crown and Country'' || host, executive producer
|-
| 1999 || ''Stars Over Mississippi'' || executive producer
|-
| 2000 || ''When Cameras Cross the Line'' || executive producer
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Once Upon a Christmas (film)|Once Upon a Christmas]]'' || producer
|-
| 2001 || ''Tales from the Tower'' || executive producer
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Varian's War]]'' || executive producer
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Twice Upon a Christmas]]'' || executive producer
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Out of the Ashes (2003 film)|Out of the Ashes]]'' || executive producer
|-
| 2015 || ''Whatever Happened to the Windsors?'' || narrator
|}

==Notes==

{{Reflist|group=fn}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==

{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex-article.ogg|date=12 July 2014}}
{{Commons category|Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh}}
* [https://www.royal.uk/duke-edinburgh The Duke of Edinburgh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326031245/https://www.royal.uk/duke-edinburgh |date=26 March 2023 }} at the official website of the British royal family
* [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-family/members-royal-family/duke-edinburgh.html The Duke of Edinburgh] at the website of the [[Government of Canada]]
* {{NPG name|name=Prince Edward}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0921844|name=Prince Edward}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[House of Windsor]]|10 March|1964}}
{{S-other|line}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Ernest Brooksbank]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Succession to the British throne]]|years=15th in line}}
{{S-fol|after=[[James, Earl of Wessex|Earl of Wessex]]}}
{{S-reg|uk}}
{{S-new|rows=2|creation}}<!--don't add the 2023 Dukedom of Edinburgh here because it is not hereditary, so there is no succession-->
{{S-ttl|title=[[Earl of Wessex]]|years=1999–present}}
{{S-inc|rows=2|heir=[[James, Earl of Wessex|Earl of Wessex]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Earl of Forfar]]|years=2019–present}}
{{S-new|creation}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Duke of Edinburgh]]|years=2023–present}}
{{S-inc|heir='''none'''<br>([[Life peerage]])}}
{{S-prec|uk}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|The Duke of York]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Orders of precedence in the United Kingdom#British royal family|Gentlemen]]<br />''HRH The Duke of Edinburgh''}}
{{S-fol|after=[[James, Earl of Wessex|Earl of Wessex]]}}
{{s-aca}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Christopher Tugendhat, Baron Tugendhat|The Lord Tugendhat]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[University of Bath|Chancellor of the University of Bath]]|years=2013–present}}
{{S-inc}}
{{S-end}}

{{UK Order of Precedence (Gentlemen)|Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince}}
{{British princes}}
{{Windsor family}}
{{Mountbatten-Windsor}}
{{Dukes of Edinburgh|Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince}}
{{Current British dukes}}
{{Members of the Order of the Garter}}
{{Members of the Order of the Thistle}}
{{University of Bath}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Duke of}}
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