Edward, Prince

Edward, Prince (1964- ), fourth child and third son of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and her consort, Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh. His full name is Edward Anthony Richard Louis and he is seventh in line to the throne. Edward was educated at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, and Jesus College, Cambridge University, where he read history, graduating in 1986. While a student, he was active in various theatrical projects.

After graduating, Edward served for a period in the Royal Marines, but broke with precedent by giving up his military career. Instead, he joined the Really Useful Theatre Company of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and subsequently formed his own television production company, Ardent Productions Ltd., in 1993. He is also honorary patron of numerous theatrical and arts bodies.

In January 1999 Edward announced his engagement to Sophie Rhys-Jones, and the couple were married at St George's Chapel, Windsor, in June. On his marriage, Edward was created Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. Following a series of public rows over apparent abuse of their royal status in their careers, both Edward and his wife stepped down from their business roles in March 2002. Their daughter, Louise, was born in November 2003.