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81-843: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (Edward Antony Richard Louis; born 10 March 1964) 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 3rd in the line of succession to the British throne and is now 14th. 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. He then went up to read history at Jesus College, Cambridge , graduating in 1986 with
162-538: A 2021 interview , the Duchess of Sussex, who is of biracial heritage, relayed second-hand that there had been "concerns and conversations" within the royal family about the skin colour of their son, Archie , while the Duke of Sussex stated it was a single instance. The interview received a mixed reaction from the British public and media, and several of their claims were called into question. The Duke of Cambridge said
243-645: 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". Edward is a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter , an Extra Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle , a Knight Grand Cross of
324-662: A Bachelor of Arts degree from Cambridge University . 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 royal family , and undertook engagements on behalf of his mother. He holds patronage with over 70 charities and organisations, including
405-687: A letter to newspaper editors, in which he denied any wedding plans and asked the media to respect their privacy. Edward proposed to Sophie on holiday in the Bahamas in December 1998 and their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999. Edward proposed to Sophie with an Asprey and 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. Their wedding took place on 19 June 1999 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle . This
486-468: A model of family life". The scandals contributed to the public's unwillingness to pay for the repairs to Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire . A further " PR disaster" was the royal family's initial response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales , in 1997. In the 1990s, the royal family formed the Way Ahead Group, made up of senior family members and advisers and headed by Elizabeth II, in
567-594: A private investigator working for a News of the World journalist. A 2021 BBC documentary suggested that briefings and counter-briefings from different royal households was the reason behind the negative coverage about members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace, which represented the Queen, the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge respectively, described these suggestions as "overblown and unfounded claims". Senior members of
648-533: A production assistant on musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera , Starlight Express , and Cats . 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 competed for charity. The programme
729-507: A quest to change in accordance with public opinion. The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in April 2011 led to a "tide of goodwill", and by Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 the royal family's image had recovered. A 2019 YouGov poll showed that two-thirds of British people were in favour of maintaining the royal family. The role and public relations of the extended royal family again came under increased scrutiny due to
810-573: A range of selected partner charities, and will expand its remit beyond supporting children and young people. 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. The Earl was presented with 'Earl of Forfar' tartan , which was designed by Forfar's Strathmore Woollen Company to celebrate their new titles. In 2020, he took over
891-432: A sudden placental abruption ; and James Mountbatten-Windsor (then Viscount Severn, now Earl of Wessex), born on 17 December 2007. Edward's children since 2023 are styled as the children of a duke , rather than as Prince/ss and Royal Highness . The family's country seat is Bagshot Park ; their office and official London residence is at Buckingham Palace . The Earl and Countess of Wessex established their foundation,
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#1732772273084972-769: A trip to Canada in 1939 and in 1940 during The Blitz in London. Annual events attended by the royal family include the State Opening of Parliament , Trooping the Colour , and the National Service of Remembrance . According to historian Robert Lacey , Queen Elizabeth II once said that investitures of the honours recipients are the most important thing she does. Besides the King, Prince William and Princess Anne also perform investitures. Family members represent
1053-717: 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, and was named patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2023. He has promoted the charity's work on different occasions. Edward is also a trustee of the International Award Association, which "encompasses the DofE UK and all its other 61 National Award Authorities across
1134-776: A visit to sites affected by the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat. In 2013, the couple visited South Africa. The Queen appointed the Earl of Wessex as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2014. 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 . In May 2016,
1215-569: Is Buckingham Palace . Announcements of the births and deaths of members of the royal family are traditionally attached to its front railings. Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , the monarch's weekend home in Berkshire , are used to host state visits . The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Hillsborough Castle serve as official royal residences when the monarch is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, respectively. Clarence House served as
1296-694: Is Frogmore Cottage , near Windsor. The Duke of York lives at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park , while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh reside at Bagshot Park in Surrey . Wanganui Collegiate School Whanganui Collegiate School (formerly Wanganui Collegiate School ; see here ) is a state-integrated , coeducational , day and boarding, secondary school in Whanganui , Manawatū-Whanganui region, New Zealand. The school
1377-405: Is Mountbatten-Windsor , reflecting the name taken by her Greek-born husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , upon his naturalisation . A surname is generally not needed by members of the royal family who are entitled to the titles of prince or princess and the style His or Her Royal Highness. Such individuals use surnames on official documents such as marriage registers , however. Members of
1458-522: Is a part of the royal family. Members often support the monarch in undertaking public engagements, and pursue charitable work and interests. Members of the royal family are regarded as British and world cultural icons . The Lord Chamberlain 's "List of the Royal Family" published in August 2020 mentions all of King George VI 's descendants and their spouses (including Sarah, Duchess of York , who
1539-644: Is affiliated to the Anglican church. Whanganui Collegiate School was founded as Wanganui Collegiate School in 1854 thanks to a land grant in 1852 by the Governor of New Zealand , Sir George Grey , to the Bishop of New Zealand , George Augustus Selwyn , for the purpose of establishing a school. Sir George Grey , during his times as governor in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand is also affiliated with
1620-563: Is an honorary member and patron respectively. 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. In February 2018, the Earl and Countess toured Sri Lanka , participating in the 70th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo . In April 2018, the Earl visited Australia to attend
1701-753: Is divorced), along with Queen Elizabeth II 's cousins with royal rank and their spouses. The list applies for the purposes of regulating the use of royal symbols and images of the family. The website of the royal family provides a list of "Members of the Royal Family" comprising King Charles III and Queen Camilla ; William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales ; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex ; Prince Andrew, Duke of York ; Anne, Princess Royal ; Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh ; Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester ; Prince Edward, Duke of Kent ; and Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy . Among them,
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#17327722730841782-522: Is named after Reverend B. W. (Bache Wright) Harvey, Hadfield which is named after Octavius Hadfield , Grey which is named after George Grey , Selwyn which is named after George Selwyn , Godwin and Bishops. The school grounds also host numerous sporting facilities, including the Izard Gymnasium, High Performance Cricket Centre, a water surface hockey turf, a full-sized Cross Country Course and many team sports fields. The nearby Whanganui River
1863-715: Is the most recent child to be born to a reigning British monarch. His birth was the only one witnessed by his father. He was baptised on 2 May 1964 in the private chapel at Windsor Castle . As with his three older siblings, Charles , Anne , and 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 in Berkshire. Later, as his father and elder brothers had done before him, he moved to Gordonstoun in northern Scotland , where he
1944-565: Is used by students for rowing training and competitions; rowing being one of the sports in which Collegiate has traditionally excelled, having won the Maadi Cup 17 times, a national record. The Collegiate women's squad had a particularly strong year in 2006 when it won the most prestigious women's race in the lower north Island, the Levin Jubilee Trophy, for the first time. Unfortunately, such success could not be replicated on
2025-466: Is where the money is". 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". In 2011, close associates of Jonathan Rees , a private investigator connected to the News International phone hacking scandal , stated that he had penetrated Edward and Sophie's bank accounts and sold details about them to
2106-550: The Sunday Mirror . 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. On 10 March 2019, his 55th birthday, Edward
2187-478: The Court Circular , a list of daily appointments and events attended by the royal family. Public appearances are often accompanied by walkabouts, where royals greet and converse with members of the public outside events. The start of this tradition is sometimes attributed to a trip Queen Elizabeth II made in 1970 to Australia and New Zealand. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother also interacted with crowds on
2268-764: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme, attending Gold Award ceremonies around the world. 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 . 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. He has been
2349-963: The Edinburgh International Festival , the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire , the Production Guild, and the National Youth Theatre . 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. He has also taken over his father's role in
2430-649: The National Youth Theatre , the Sport and Recreation Alliance and the British Paralympic Association . His charity work focuses on the arts , athletics , and the development of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , which centres around fitness, wellbeing and community service. Edward was given the title of Earl of Wessex prior to 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
2511-673: The Royal Victorian Order , and a Personal Aide-de-Camp to the Sovereign. In 2013 Edward received a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bath . British royal family The British royal family comprises King Charles III and his close relations. There is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member, although the Royal Household has issued different lists outlining who
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh - Misplaced Pages Continue
2592-445: The University of St Andrews , which went against industry guidelines regarding the privacy of members of the royal family; William's father (Edward's elder brother Charles) was reportedly angered by the incident. In March 2002, Edward announced that he would step down as production director and joint managing director of Ardent to concentrate on his public duties and to support the Queen during her Golden Jubilee year. Ardent Productions
2673-544: The XXI Commonwealth Games and attend fundraising events for those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award challenges. 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 of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar. The trust will continue to develop sustainable relationships with
2754-406: The advent of television , however, the media started paying less respect to the royal family's privacy. Princes William and Harry have had informal arrangements with the press whereby they would be left alone by the paparazzi during their education in return for invitations to staged photograph opportunities. William has continued the practice with his family posts on Instagram . Relations between
2835-482: The 12-month training. Media reported that Prince Philip, who was the Captain General Royal Marines , was displeased, but Prince Edward later said that his father had not put undue pressure on him to change his mind. Others stated that Philip was the most sympathetic family member toward his son's decision. Buckingham Palace said that Edward's decision came after "much consideration" and that he
2916-645: The Caribbean tour of the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations , the family encountered criticism from a number of political figures and the press, given their past connections to colonialism and the Atlantic slave trade via the Royal African Company . Reparations for slavery emerged as a major demand of protesters during the couple's visit. Both
2997-660: The Collegiate campus in 2010. The combined schools provide primary education for day students on the St George’s campus, and secondary education for day and boarding students on the Collegiate campus. Collegiate is an International Member of The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) which represents heads of the leading independent schools in Ireland, the United Kingdom and international schools mainly from
3078-482: The Commonwealth. Whanganui Collegiate is one of only three member schools in New Zealand. Since 2019, Collegiate has been one of three Round Square schools in New Zealand along with King's College and Christ's College . Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh , spent two terms in 1982 at the school as a junior master during his gap year . In November 2012, it was announced that the school would integrate into
3159-659: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have their official London residences and offices at apartments in Kensington Palace , London. The former and their children officially moved into Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park in September 2022. The Duke and Duchess of Kent reside in Wren House in the grounds of Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's official residence in the United Kingdom
3240-460: The Duke of York's friendship with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell , and allegations of sexual abuse , along with his unapologetic conduct in the 2019 interview about these subjects and subsequent 2021 lawsuit . In June 2019, the royal family, several members of which advocate for environmental causes, faced criticism after it was revealed that they "had doubled [their] carbon footprint from business travel". In
3321-563: The Duke of York, the Duke of Sussex and the Duchess of Sussex do not currently carry out royal duties. Other members of the royal family holding royal rank who do not carry out official duties are: Prince George , Princess Charlotte , and Prince Louis of Wales ; Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex ; Princess Beatrice ; Princess Eugenie ; the Duchess of Kent ; and Prince Michael of Kent and his wife . Notes The monarch's children and grandchildren (if they are children of
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh - Misplaced Pages Continue
3402-475: 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. 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
3483-702: The Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee . Their planned visit to Grenada was postponed after talks with the island's government and governor-general , and the couple expressed their hopes to visit the country on a later date. 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." After he
3564-518: The Princess's bulimia and self-harming was published; her private telephone conversations surfaced, as did the Prince's intimate telephone conversations with his lover, Camilla Parker Bowles; the Duke and Duchess of York separated; and photographs of the topless Duchess having her toes sucked by another man appeared in tabloids. Historian Robert Lacey said that this "put paid to any claim to being
3645-657: The UK that are disadvantaged. Princess Anne started The Princess Royal Trust for Carers , which helps unpaid carers, giving them emotional support and information about benefit claims and disability aids. The Earl and Countess of Wessex (as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were then known) founded the Wessex Youth Trust, since renamed The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, in 1999. The Prince and Princess of Wales are founding patrons of The Royal Foundation , whose projects revolve around mental health , conservation, early childhood, and emergency responders . In 2019 following
3726-473: The United States and a documentary Edward made about his great-uncle Edward VIII (the late Duke of Windsor) in 1996 sold well worldwide. Nonetheless, the company reported losses every year it operated, with the exception of one when Edward did not draw a salary. 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
3807-773: 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. His patronages include: the British Paralympic Association , the International Real Tennis Professionals Association, the Commonwealth Games Federation , BadmintonScotland , the Tennis and Rackets Association , City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, London Mozart Players , Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, Northern Ballet ,
3888-470: 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. Prince Edward was born at 8:20 p.m. on 10 March 1964 at Buckingham Palace , London, as the third son and the fourth and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh . He
3969-475: The establishment of other educational institutions such as Auckland Grammar School in Auckland, New Zealand, Grey College in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The school moved to its current site in 1911. It was originally a boys-only school but in 1991 began admitting girls at senior levels and went fully co-educational in 1999. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004. St George’s School moved to
4050-559: The family among a group of people who they most associated with British culture . Members are expected to promote British industry. Royals are typically members of the Church of England , headed by the monarch. When in Scotland they attend the Church of Scotland as members and some have served as Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland . Members of the royal family are patrons for approximately 3,000 charities, and have also started their own nonprofit organisations. The King started The Prince's Trust , which helps young people in
4131-414: The family as " soft power assets". Given the royal family's public role and activities, it is sometimes referred to by courtiers as "The Firm", a term that originated with George VI. Members of the royal family are politically and commercially independent, avoiding conflict of interest with their public roles. The royal family are considered British cultural icons , with young adults from abroad naming
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#17327722730844212-431: The globe". 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". 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. In June 2011, Edward visited Baltimore to meet
4293-547: The income of the Duchy of Lancaster , and the Prince of Wales from the Duchy of Cornwall . The security expenses for the royal family are typically covered by the Metropolitan Police rather than the sovereign grant. The royal family, the Home Office , and the Metropolitan Police decide which members have a right to taxpayer-funded police security. Extended members do not retain automatic right to protection; in 2011, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie ceased receiving police security. The sovereign's official residence in London
4374-504: The jewels to be sold, and the proceeds used for the benefit of the Bahraini people . In February and March 2012, the couple visited the Caribbean for the 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, addressing Senate and Assembly of Barbados jointly, and
4455-443: The list by special legislation. Each year the family "carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide", entertaining 70,000 guests and answering 100,000 letters. Engagements include state funerals, national festivities, garden parties, receptions, and visits to the Armed Forces . Many members have served in the Armed Forces themselves, including the King's brothers and sons. Engagements are recorded in
4536-406: The media and British royals have been destabilized by the rise of the digital media , with the quantity of articles becoming paramount toward gaining advertising revenue , with neither side able to exercise control. In the 2000s, the phones of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Chelsy Davy , were hacked multiple times by media outlets, most notably by
4617-616: The media of using his royal connections for financial gain, 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". Ardent's productions were better received in
4698-402: The monarch on official visits and tours to other countries as ambassadors to foster diplomatic relations. They have also attended Commonwealth meetings on the monarch's behalf. The royal family also participates in state visits on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office , which includes the welcoming of dignitaries and a formal banquet. Journalist James Forsyth has referred to
4779-503: The monarch's sons), and the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, are automatically entitled to be known as prince or princess with the style His or Her Royal Highness (HRH). Peerages , often dukedoms , are bestowed upon most princes prior to marriage. Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall , children of the King's sister, Princess Anne, are, therefore, not prince and princess. Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex , though entitled to
4860-463: The national stage, with the u18 girls eight only managing bronze in the penultimate race of the 2007 Maadi Cup. The school also hosts the nationally popular Whanganui Cricket Festival each year which sees over 1000 cricketers display their skills throughout the month of January. Since 1925, the school's 'First XV' rugby team has played Christ's College , Wellington College and Nelson College in an annual quadrangular rugby tournament, this Tournament
4941-449: The negative reactions to the " Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal " interview, the Duke of York was forced to resign from public roles; the retirement became permanent in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex permanently withdrew from royal duties in early 2020. Following these departures, there is a shortage of royal family members to cover the increasing number of patronages and engagements. Royal biographer Penny Junor says that
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#17327722730845022-580: The official residence of Charles III from 2003, when he was Prince of Wales, until he ascended to the throne on 8 September 2022. Another London residence of his when Prince of Wales was St James's Palace , which he shared with the Princess Royal and Princess Alexandra. Princess Alexandra also resides at Thatched House Lodge in Richmond . The King also privately owns Sandringham House in Norfolk and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, which are his personal property. He inherited them from Elizabeth II upon her death. The Prince and Princess of Wales and
5103-476: The patronage of London Youth from his father who had held the position for 73 years. 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 . In the following month, he visited Kenya to oversee the progress of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in the country. In April 2022, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar toured Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
5184-412: The royal family has presented itself "as the model family" since the 1930s. Author Edward Owen wrote that during the Second World War , the monarchy sought an image of a "more informal and vulnerable family" that had a unifying effect on the nation during instability. In 1992 , the Princess Royal and her husband Mark Phillips divorced; the Prince and Princess of Wales separated; a biography detailing
5265-426: The royal family support the monarch in "state and national duties", while also carrying out charity work of their own. If the sovereign is indisposed, two counsellors of state are required to fulfil his/her role, with those eligible being restricted to the sovereign's spouse, and the first four people in the line of succession over the age of 21. In 2022 the then Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal were added to
5346-665: The royal family were "very much not a racist family". In June 2021, documents revealed that "coloured immigrants or foreigners" were banned by Elizabeth II's chief financial manager at the time from working for the family as clerks in the 1960s, prompting black studies professor Kehinde Andrews to state that "the royal family has a terrible record on race". In response, the palace stated that it complied "in principle and in practice" with anti-discrimination legislation, and that second-hand claims of "conversations from over 50 years ago should not be used to draw or infer conclusions about modern-day events or operations." In March 2022 and during
5427-482: The royal family, who represent the monarch, draw their income from public funds known as the sovereign grant , which is an annual payment of the British government to the monarch. It comes from the revenues of the Crown Estate , which are commercial properties owned by the Crown . Members of the royal family who receive money from the sovereign grant must be accountable to the public for it and are not allowed to make money from their name. The monarch also receives
5508-437: The state system effective January 2013, after requiring a $ 3.8 million bailout from the government to stay afloat. In January 2019, the Whanganui Collegiate School Board of Trustees and Whanganui College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to add an 'h' to the spelling of 'Wanganui', following other local organisations and secondary schools after the Whanganui District was similarly renamed in November 2015. In mid-2023, it
5589-461: The students and staff of the Living Classrooms Foundation and encourage them to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's programme. 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 . Given concern about human rights abuses in Bahrain, this gift attracted controversy, with calls for
5670-438: The styles "Princess Louise of Edinburgh" and "Prince James of Edinburgh", respectively, are not called prince and princess, as their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, wanted them to have more modest titles. The King reportedly wants to reduce the number of titled members of the royal family. By tradition, wives of male members of the royal family share their husbands' title and style. Princesses by marriage do not have
5751-440: The then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge have condemned slavery in their speeches, and the Prince has described acknowledging the wrongs of the past as a necessity for the Commonwealth countries to realise their potential. Historically, the royal family and the media have benefited from each other; the family used the press to communicate with the public, while the media used the family to attract readers and viewers. With
5832-451: The title prefixed to their own name but to their husband's; for example, the wife of Prince Michael of Kent is Princess Michael of Kent. Sons of monarchs are customarily given dukedoms upon marriage, and these peerage titles pass to their eldest sons. Male-line descendants of King George V , including women until they marry, bear the surname Windsor. The surname of the male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II, except for women who marry,
5913-504: The university despite poor A-Level results caused some comment. Edward graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree ( Lower Second Hons ). After graduating in 1986, Edward joined the Royal Marines , who had reportedly sponsored his tuition at Cambridge on condition of future service. He had signed up to join the Royal Marines in September 1983. In January 1987, he dropped out of the commando course having completed one-third of
5994-684: 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), breaking from a tradition whereby sons of the sovereign were created royal dukes . Sophie had an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. Edward and Sophie have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor , born prematurely on 8 November 2003 due to
6075-421: Was announced that Whanganui Collegiate School would replace NCEA Level 1 with Cambridge IGCSE from 2024. As a boarding school, the house system plays a significant role in student life. Each house (of which there are 6 in total; four for boys and two for girls) accommodates approximately 80 students, and each has its own Housemaster, Assistant Housemaster and Matron. The school houses are named Harvey which
6156-556: 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 , 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. Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Edward studied at Jesus College, Cambridge , where he read history. His admission to
6237-734: 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 . Edward became patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award upon being raised to the dukedom. In 1999, Edward was criticised by Labour 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
6318-412: 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. The programme raised over £1,500,000 for its selected charities. In 1993, Edward founded the television production company Ardent Productions. Ardent was involved in the production of a number of documentaries and dramas, but Edward was accused in
6399-647: Was granted the additional title of Earl of Forfar for use in Scotland . On his 59th birthday, 10 March 2023, Edward was created Duke of Edinburgh, thus becoming "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh". His ducal title is not hereditary, so it will revert to the crown on his death. 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
6480-424: Was leaving with great regret "but has concluded that he does not wish to make the service his long-term career". After leaving military service, Edward opted to pursue a career in entertainment. He commissioned the 1986 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 Theatre Company , where he worked as
6561-566: Was voluntarily dissolved in June 2009, with assets reduced to just £40. Edward met Sophie Rhys-Jones for the first time in 1987 when he was dating her friend. 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. In December 1993 and amid growing speculation about whether they were planning to marry, Edward wrote
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