A groundbreaking new documentary has delved into the intriguing similarities between the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Titled “Prince Edward: Will He Change the Royals?”, the film, which airs tonight on Channel 5 at 9:15pm, explores the remarkable journey of Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son as he ascends to become one of the most esteemed members of the British Royal Family.
In an intriguing twist, the documentary highlights how Prince Edward, now 59 years old, faced exclusion from the Buckingham Palace balcony appearance during the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. However, during his brother King Charles III’s Coronation, he and his wife, Sophie, 58, were positioned front and center. This is a testament to their transformation into hard-working and highly regarded senior royals. But this level of respect and admiration was hard-won, as they faced a series of scandals early on in their marriage.
Sophie inadvertently found herself embroiled in controversy when she boasted about her PR firm’s connections to the Royal Family to the News of the World’s ‘Fake Sheik’. This blunder was followed by Edward’s ill-fated appearance on the television show “It’s a Knockout” at Alton Towers in 1987. Both incidents drew criticism for their perceived attempts to capitalize on their royal connections.
However, unlike Prince Harry and Meghan, Sophie and Edward made the conscientious decision to wind down their businesses and prioritize their royal duties. This led to the rebuilding of their reputations within the Royal Family. In 2002, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh reportedly received a one-off payment of £250,000 to bring an end to their controversial business careers. This compensation was framed as a loss of earnings reimbursement.
Speaking about these circumstances in the documentary, journalist Emily Andrews explains how Queen Elizabeth II effectively asked Edward and Sophie to sacrifice their careers and fully commit to their royal roles. As an added incentive, she provided them with the compensation payment. Andrews goes on to draw parallels between the experiences of Sophie and Edward and those of Harry and Meghan. Both couples attempted to strike a balance between their royal duties and personal ventures.
Royal commentator Katie Nicholl echoes this sentiment and emphasizes the rigidity of these parameters. She notes that pushing too hard against these boundaries can result in significant difficulties. These challenges are evidenced by the wounds suffered by Edward and Sophie. However, despite initial adversity, they have shown unwavering support for their family and the institution of monarchy. As a result, they have achieved remarkable service to the Royal Family and were rewarded with Prince Edward’s recent title elevation to the Duke of Edinburgh.
This recognition of their hard work and dedication to royal duties also signifies the significant progress made by Edward and Sophie. Sophie has emerged as a trusted confidante for the new Princess of Wales, who appreciates her ability to balance royal responsibilities with motherhood. Experts have drawn comparisons to the dynamics between Edward and Sophie and those of Harry and Meghan, suggesting that the couple were the earlier version of the modern-day royals.
Reflecting on Prince Edward’s title elevation, royal author Phil Dampier emphasizes their commitment to their roles without seeking attention. In contrast to Harry and Meghan, they have shown unwavering support for their family and the monarchy, leading to the well-deserved rewards they are now receiving. The conferment of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh titles solidifies their status within the Royal Family. This milestone also serves as a perfect birthday gift for Edward, and Sophie equally deserves her title.
While there were initial concerns about Charles’s reluctance to pass on the dukedom to Edward once he assumed the throne, with his preference for a streamlined monarchy, Philip’s desire for Edward to have the title ultimately prevailed. This decision acknowledges Edward’s longstanding commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which is one of Philip’s most significant legacies. The late Queen Elizabeth II held the courtesy title of Duchess of Edinburgh following her marriage, as did the Queen Consort when Charles inherited the title.
Prince Edward’s journey to his current position in the Royal Family is a tumultuous one. After leaving the Royal Marines, he ventured into the entertainment world. He commissioned the musical “Cricket” for his mother’s 60th birthday, securing a job at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company in the process. Subsequently, Edward worked as a production assistant on acclaimed musicals such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Starlight Express,” and “Cats.”
Edward’s first television endeavor was the ill-fated game show “It’s a Royal Knockout” in 1987, which attracted significant criticism and damaged the image of the British Royal Family. Despite these setbacks, Edward pressed on and launched Ardent Productions in 1993. While it initially struggled to secure commissions, the company found success with documentaries like “Edward on Edward” in 1996, which explored the life of Edward VIII and his controversial abdication.
By 2001, Ardent Productions faced a significant setback when a camera crew filmed Prince William at the University of St Andrews, violating an agreement to protect his privacy. Edward distanced himself from the company, stepping down as joint managing editor and ending his involvement. Despite these challenges, Edward and Sophie persevered, prioritizing their royal duties over commercial endeavors.
In conclusion, the documentary “Prince Edward: Will He Change the Royals?” provides a captivating exploration of Prince Edward and Sophie’s journey within the Royal Family. It highlights the challenges they faced early on and the ongoing transformation that has led them to their current esteemed positions. Their experience bears striking similarities to that of Prince Harry and Meghan. Ultimately, Edward and Sophie’s unwavering dedication and commitment to their roles have earned them well-deserved recognition and rewards.
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