Meet Prince Edward, the Only Child of Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip Who Has Not Been Divorced
Of the four children of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, only Prince Edward has not been divorced. Prince Edward, who is thirteenth in line to the throne, has been married to Sophie Rhys-Jones since June 19, 1999.
The youngest child of the Queen and Prince Philip, Edward’s siblings are Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew.
Edward and Sophie, who tied the knot in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, share two children: Lady Louise Windsor and James Viscount Severn.
Prince Edward at Carrara Stadium on April 12, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia | Source: Getty Images
TAKING OVER MORE ROYAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Edward has taken on a more active role in the Royal household and is still a full-time working member of the Royal Family. Following his father’s retirement, he served in the marines and had a stint as a television producer.
He supports Her Majesty in her official duties. He often performs his duties alongside his wife, The Countess of Wessex, and undertakes public engagements for many of his own charities.
Sophie Rhys-Jones and Prince Edward at the Grand-Ducal Palace on October 19, 2012 in Luxembourg | Source: Getty Images
With Philip gone, it is expected that Edward, the 13th in line for the throne, will become the new Duke of Edinburgh, following his father in the title. Outside of his life as a royal, Edward has a history in the entertainment industry—and the world of sports, too.
His wife Sophie has noticeably been keeping a low profile. She is the second child of Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones, a retired salesman, and the late Mary Rhys-Jones, a secretary.
Prince Edward and Sophie visit Forfar Golf Club to mark the 150th anniversary of the club on June 28, 2021, in Forfar, Scotland | Source: Getty Images
THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND WEDDING
Six years after their first meeting at a radio station, they met again at a charity event, and that was when their relationship began to blossom.
They announced their engagement on January 6, 1999, and he proposed to her with a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold.
Sophie Rhys-Jones and Prince Edward at Frimley Park Hospital on December 20, 2007 in Frimley, England | Source: Getty Images
On June 19, 1999, they got married at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Unlike other royal weddings, Edward and Sophie’s wedding was not televised and had no ceremonial or military involvement.
On the wedding day, Sophie looked stunning in a silk organza Samantha Shaw dress adorned with 235,000 crystals and pearls. She also wore a tiara that came from the Queen's private collection, and she looked beautiful.
Made up of four open scrollwork motifs, the tiara was designed and remodeled by the Crown Jeweller, David Thomas of Asprey, and Garrard.
The Queen conferred the titles of the Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn upon Prince Edward. In effect, Sophie became known as Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex.
Sophie Rhys-Jones and Prince Edward at St. George's Chapel on June 19, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
CELEBRATING TWO DECADES OF MARRIAGE
Edward and Sophie were all loved up during their 20th-anniversary celebration on June 19, 2019. The couple was seen at a racing event, and photos showed how much they love each other.
Also seen at the event were the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, with her husband, Prince Charles.
A LOOK AT THEIR HOME
Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex live in Bagshot Park in Surrey, located just 11 miles away from the Queen's home at Windsor Castle. This makes it easier for them to visit the Queen with their two children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn.
They moved into the property after their royal wedding in 1999 and were said to have extended the lease from The Crown Estate for another 150 years.
Aerial view of Bagshot Park, the Royal residence of Prince Edward and Sophie on June 09, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The Grade II-listed building is set within 51 acres of land and is rumored to have a whopping 120 rooms after being demolished and rebuilt in 1879.
Their decor seemed impressive when visited by the press, and the grounds are equally impressive, with a private lake and several stables set within the 51 acres.