Edward, Earl of Wessex, has led a life filled with various pursuits, from television production to philanthropy. Born into the British royal family, he is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Edward's journey reflects not only his royal heritage but also his commitment to social causes, particularly the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program, which has been a significant part of his adult life. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Born on March 10, 1964, at Windsor Castle, Edward was raised in a family that valued both tradition and service. Growing up alongside three siblings—Charles, Anne, and Andrew—he was christened Edward Antony Richard Louis shortly after birth. From a young age, Edward exhibited a keen interest in the arts and education, which paved the way for his future endeavors in television and philanthropy.
Throughout his life, Edward has balanced the responsibilities of royal duties with personal ambitions. He founded Ardent Productions in 1993, allowing him to explore his passion for storytelling through documentaries. His marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 marked another chapter in his life, further intertwining royal obligations with personal happiness. Edward’s journey illustrates a dynamic interplay of duty, creativity, and commitment to societal betterment.
Biography of Edward, Earl of Wessex
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Edward, Earl of Wessex |
| Birth Date | March 10, 1964 |
| Birth City | London |
| Birth Country | United Kingdom |
| Astrological Sign | Pisces |
| Education | Gibbs School, Gordonstoun School, Jesus College, Cambridge |
Table of Contents
Who Is Edward, Earl of Wessex?
Edward, Earl of Wessex, is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. In 1993, Edward formed the television production company Ardent Productions. He married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999. Following his 2002 departure from Arden Productions, he became even more dedicated to social causes, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program.
Early Life
Edward, Earl of Wessex was born on March 10, 1964, at Windsor Castle in London, England. The youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Edward was christened as Edward Antony Richard Louis on May 2, 1964. Edward has three siblings: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; and Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Edward was a bookish child who preferred to spend time alone. He studied with a tutor at Buckingham Palace until he was 7 years old, at which time he enrolled in a pre-preparatory school in Kensington called Gibbs School. In 1972, he moved on to Heatherdown Preparatory School in Berkshire. In 1977, Edward started attending his father's alma mater, Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland, where he excelled in sports. He was an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program and even took home a Gold Award.
Theater and Television
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, Edward trained as a University Cadet in the Royal Marines. However, three months into his cadet training, he decided he was better suited to work in theatrical production. For close to a decade, Edward maintained a successful career in both theatre and television production. He worked for two different theatrical production companies, including Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company.
In 1993, under the name Edward Windsor, Edward formed his own independent television production company, Ardent Productions. Ardent Productions focused primarily on documentaries, many of which focused on life as a member of the British Royal Family. As a result, critics accused Edward of using his royal connections to garner his own personal success. In 2002, he stepped down from his role as managing director of Ardent Productions so he could concentrate his attention on his royal duties.
Recent Years
Ever since Edward won a Gold Award in college, he has remained heavily involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program. He is particularly active when it comes to fundraising for the organizations, and as of May 2012, he had visited more than 25 participating countries.
Following Edward's 2002 departure from Arden Productions, he became even more dedicated to social causes, including the International Special Projects Group and the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. In 2003, despite life-threatening complications, the Earl and Countess of Wessex welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lady Louise Windsor. In 2006, Edward and Sophie appeared in the press when their daughter underwent an operation to repair a congenital eye disorder. The following year, the public rejoiced at the birth of the couple’s son, James, Viscount Severn. In recent years, the family has resided at Bagshot Park in Surrey, England.
Quick Facts
- Name: Edward, Earl of Wessex
- Birth Date: March 10, 1964
- Birth City: London
- Birth Country: United Kingdom
- Astrological Sign: Pisces
- Schools: Gibbs School, Jesus College, Cambridge, Gordonstoun School, Heatherdown Preparatory School
Quotes
- Life is one big act.
Eric Clapton And The Beatles: A Musical Connection Beyond Compare
Exploring The Life And Legacy Of Henri Matisse: A Revolutionary Artist
Dr. Oz: A Renowned Heart Surgeon And Media Personality
