Introducing Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, February 24, 2023 – Prince Edward and his wife Sophie arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday, February 22 for a two-day visit; but who is the Prince?

Born the baby of the Royal bunch on March 10 1964 he was the last child of Queen Elizabeth II, brother to King Charles III and uncle to Heir Apparent Prince William.

Academically the Royal is said to have managed to collect Cs and Ds in his A levels, still he was allowed to enter Jesus College Cambridge where he read for a Bachelor in Arts which he received with lower second-class honours.

The Prince tried serving in the Army but dropped out before six months had passed.  It was only then that he began to pursue what appeared to be a true passion, theatre.

Having dabbled in acting and production in college he was offered a beginner position at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theater where he worked for several years.  The Prince then moved to another theatre company before producing his first TV show: The Royal Knockout, with scenes resembling an episode of Wipeout!

Though it raised a significant amount for charity it was not received well by the public.

Edward continued in television though, opening his own television company Ardent Productions in 1993.  The company did not ever make a profit though and after a row with his brother, then Prince Charles, about two of his cameramen invading Prince William’s space, it is reported that Prince Edward stepped down from the company.

Now, it seems the Earl of Wessex has found his niche representing the Crown in a suite of royal events and charities many of them involving the theatre, youth and wellness.   The official Royal UK site says:  “The Earl has a strong personal interest in the Arts and is a Patron of a number of organisations within this area.  Whenever possible, His Royal Highness greatly enjoys attending plays and concerts.”

During his visit, the Earl and Countess will see performances and sports events featuring the TCIs Youth and have a chance to speak with the country’s youth parliamentarians.