The Surprisingly Sweet Reason Prince Edward Once Said That He’d Have 2 Wives in a ‘Perfect World’

Ruthie Henshall, the former girlfriend of Prince Edward, has revealed intriguing details about their past relationship in her recently published memoir, “The Showgirl and the Prince.” Henshall, a notable West End star, reminisces about her time with the Duke of Edinburgh from 1988 to 1993, a period that concluded shortly before Edward met his future wife, Sophie, in 1999.

One of the standout revelations from Henshall’s memoir is Edward’s unconventional notion of marriage. According to her recounting, he once mused that in an “ideal world,” he would have two wives: one devoted to the responsibilities of royal duties and another whom he loved. “You wouldn’t want the woman you love to go through the job,” Henshall quotes him as saying, providing insight into the complexities of royal life and its demands.

Henshall candidly reflects on the challenges posed by her own career ambitions, acknowledging that the couple realised their relationship was unlikely to thrive. She recalls Edward expressing concern about the logistics of her performing schedule, including the costs and security measures needed for her to perform eight shows a week. “Can you imagine what would have to happen?” he asked, stressing the difficulties their different lifestyles would present.

The actress, known for her significant roles in productions such as “Cats,” “Chicago,” and “Crazy for You,” has previously joked about her somewhat awkward encounters with the royal family. During her participation in the reality show “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here,” she recounted a memorable dinner with the royals in which she forgot to curtsy before the Queen. “I grabbed her hand and said, ‘Really, really pleased to meet you,’” she shared with amusement.

Despite the evident hurdles and occasional uncomfortable moments, Henshall admits to having developed genuine feelings for Edward. She describes him as a “prince of a man” and expresses a belief that they could have found a way to make their relationship work. However, she ultimately concluded that her passion for performing was paramount, stating, “If I’d have given it up, I would have been miserable. It’s not my kind of life.”

Upon marrying Edward in 1999, Sophie Rhys-Jones relinquished her career in public relations to embrace her new role as the Duchess of Edinburgh. In recent years, she has increasingly taken on responsibilities as a senior member of the royal family. Since the birth of their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, Edward and Sophie have opted to give their children the choice to adopt royal titles only upon reaching adulthood.

As Lady Louise, now 22, and James, 18, approach adulthood, they have so far chosen not to assume titles or HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) styling. This decision aligns with the couple’s approach of preparing their children for a life outside the strictures of royal duty. Royal biographer Sean Smith noted that both Edward and Sophie are keen on raising their children with an awareness of the necessity of pursuing careers outside the royal sphere.

Sophie, in her own words to *The Sunday Times* in 2020, remarked, “We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living.” The family’s approach reflects a broader shift within the monarchy, adapting to contemporary expectations and the realities faced by the younger generation of royals following King Charles III’s accession.

Overall, Henshall’s memoir provides a unique perspective on royal life, offering a glimpse into the past relationship between a West End star and a member of the British royal family. As the couple navigated their different worlds, Henshall’s reflections shed light on the personal sacrifices often required of those in the royal fold.