Prince Edward’s Ex Explains the Sad Reason Why He Told Her That Having “Two Wives” Would Be Ideal
Our take
The revelation from Ruthie Henshall regarding Prince Edward’s seemingly offhand comment about the possibility of having “two wives” is, on the surface, a delightfully quirky anecdote from a past romance. However, its resonance extends beyond mere celebrity gossip, touching on enduring themes of royal expectations, shifting societal norms, and the complexities of navigating public life while maintaining a sense of personal freedom. Henshall's recounting of the remark, made during a television appearance and detailed in her new memoir, *The Showgirl and the Prince*, provides a glimpse into a time before Edward’s marriage to Duchess Sophie, a union that seems to embody a more traditional, settled approach to royal life. It's fascinating to consider this in light of recent reflections on the challenges faced by the royal family, as highlighted in a piece about [Former Royal Staffer Shares the One Place Where King Charles and His Siblings Could “Enjoy a Normal Childhood”], which underscores the limitations even within privileged circles. The comment itself, while perhaps casually uttered, speaks to a period of experimentation and a potential questioning of established rules, especially pertinent given the evolving landscape of relationships and family structures.
The timing of this disclosure is particularly interesting, arriving amidst ongoing conversations surrounding the monarchy's relevance and its adaptation to contemporary values. While the concept of a king with multiple wives is firmly rooted in historical precedent, the modern British monarchy operates under a very different framework, one that prioritizes stability and public perception. Duchess Sophie's own understated elegance and consistent dedication to royal duties, as showcased in [Duchess Sophie’s Summer Style Formula Makes Late Summer Dressing a No-Brainer], represent a deliberate cultivation of a dependable and relatable image – a far cry from the potential drama implied by Edward’s seemingly playful remark. The contrast highlights the significant changes within the institution and the careful choreography required to maintain its standing. It's worth noting that such a suggestion would have been unthinkable for King Charles, who, as noted in [Former Royal Butler Says That One Rumor About King Charles’s Unusual Vacation Packing Is “Completely Untrue”], is meticulously managed in his public persona, further emphasizing the shift away from any hint of unconventionality. The story serves as a reminder that even within the seemingly rigid structure of the royal family, moments of unexpected candor and personal exploration can surface, offering a window into the human element behind the crown.
Beyond the immediate implications for Prince Edward’s past relationship, Henshall’s account underscores the pressure faced by those who date members of the royal family. They exist in a liminal space, subject to intense scrutiny and often expected to conform to a particular standard of behavior and discretion. The memoir, as a whole, promises to reveal more about the complexities of navigating this world, shedding light on the personal sacrifices and compromises required when involved with someone in the public eye. Henshall’s willingness to share these details, even years later, suggests a desire for authenticity and a willingness to challenge the often-sanitized narratives surrounding the monarchy. The story, in its seemingly lighthearted nature, touches on deeper themes of personal identity, societal expectations, and the enduring allure of the royal family.
Ultimately, Prince Edward’s comment, as recounted by Ruthie Henshall, provides a small but revealing glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the British monarchy and the personal lives of those who orbit it. It’s a reminder that even within the most established institutions, there's room for unexpected moments and a questioning of tradition. The question remains: will this seemingly minor disclosure contribute to a broader re-evaluation of the monarchy's role in a rapidly changing world, or will it simply be dismissed as a charming anecdote from a bygone era?
Before he met Duchess Sophie, Prince Edward dated musical theater star Ruthie Henshall for five years, and she shared some of the stories from their relationship in her new book, The Showgirl and the Prince. During a recent appearance on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch program, Henshall discussed her new memoir and her time dating Prince Edward, noting that marrying into the Royal Family “was never going to work.”
The West End performer revealed (via Hello!) that Edward once told her that “in a perfect world” he would have “two wives: one for the job, and one for the woman you loved—because you wouldn't want the woman you love [to go] through the job.”
By “the job,” he meant being a full-time working member of the Royal Family, and Henshall knew that her career as a singer, dancer and actress couldn’t continue if she married Prince Edward. “It was never going to work,” she said.
The actress wasn’t willing to give up her career, and after their breakup, Edward met public relations executive Sophie Rhys-Jones, now the Duchess of Edinburgh. Sophie eventually quit her PR job to take on full-time royal charity work, but for Henshall, it wasn’t an option.
The performer told Hello!’s “A Right Royal Podcast” that she “always thought we'd find a way,” and even made comparisons to the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson’s situation. “I thought this could be the greatest role of my life,” she said of potentially marrying Edward, but explained that she ultimately decided she “was born to sing, dance and act.”
“If I'd have given it up, I would have been miserable,” she admitted. “It's not my kind of life.”
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