The Queen's youngest son was born on 10 March 1964. Like his eldest brother, he was shy and reserved, and given to solitary pursuits, such as fly-fishing and bird-watching. He always enjoyed a close relationship with Prince Charles.

His academic career led him to Jesus College Cambridge, but after graduating he chose a different path from his older brothers. After a short sojourn in the Royal Marines he rejected a military career and became the first royal to ever take a regular civilian job. His first was with Andrew Lloyd Webber's acting company; the Prince then went on to produce and host the documentary series "Crown and Country" for his own company, Ardent Productions Ltd.

His theatrical interests are reflected in his patronage of several theatrical and musical organisations, amateur and professional, especially those supporting youth in the performing arts, including: National Youth Music Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland; and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

In March 2002, the Prince announced that he would step down as director of production and joint managing director of Ardent to concentrate on his public duties and to support the Queen during her Golden Jubilee year.

Prince Edward has eschewed publicity, and opted to marry Sophie Rhys-Jones, a PR executive, in the comparative privacy of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, on 19 June 1999.

See Portrait of Prince Edward

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